1-5-15 All Things in Moderation?


“You can do whatever you want, as long as it’s done in moderation,” a coworker said, defending his position of a Christian drinking, smoking, gambling etc.

“Really?” I countered, “How does that work with adultery?”

“Well, that’s different. That can destroy a marriage.”

“All sin can destroy a marriage.  Drinking and gambling for two examples.”

“Not in moderation.”

“All sin can will hurt other people and may cause them to think sin is acceptable because you, a Christian do them. We are actually to stay away from even the appearance of sin. This is why I don’t go into casinos or participate in bets here at work.” This discussion went in circles for as long as I worked with this individual. He still didn’t understand the concept, even when he showed up for work with a self-induced illness (hangover).

The idea here is that I don’t give someone else the impression that I condone sin.  Also, if sin appears as a temptation before me, I am not to succumb to it.  If I am in doubt, then I can consult the Bible or seek counsel from my pastor.  To help me resist temptation I am to hold fast onto that which is good (right). I have discovered that if I am in doubt to leave it out.  Usually, I already know the answer.  The Holy Spirit convicts me of it.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:21-22.

© copyright Kevin T Boekhoff


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