“Moderation in all things.”
It’s okay to do this or that as long as we practice moderation, right? I have heard this saying used with practices such as drinking alcohol. After all, Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine, and He drank wine at the Last Supper. While I’m not sure their alcohol was quite as potent as ours is today, this is not the debate I’m trying to tackle right now.
Just at face value, this statement has serious issues. If I just commit adultery in moderation, then it’s okay. If I lie every now and then? No problem. The same could be said for every sin mentioned in the Bible. Or worse yet, why would you moderate good behavior? Do it all the time!
So, we know there’s no way this is Scripture. Even if you knew it wasn’t in the Bible, the saying is still venerated and sometimes used as justification for certain actions and behavior.
This sentence is attributed to the Greek philosopher, Aristotle. He didn’t intend it to be used as we use it today. The statement can be found in a similar form in his Doctrine of the Mean. It was used in the context of virtue, not moderation of saintly or sinful behavior.
So, you are wrong on two counts if you think the statement is from the Bible and you take its meaning at face value – worse still if you act on it!
Be motivated by Paul’s words on how to live:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2