Has a written piece of work ever made you angry? Just yesterday I was researching online and came across a list that only ‘moderate’ Christians blogs were allowed to be on. Reading a post on what makes for their ‘moderate Christian’ I realized it was not balanced Christianity they were writing about (not swinging to and fro with every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14), or solidly based on the infallibility of scripture (John 10:35b)) but rather the ‘Christianity’ that isn’t dogmatic about the Bible, won’t make sinners feel bad about their sin, or take too strong a stance on any Biblical principle, etc.
It made me look up 'moderate'. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary
- in adjective form:
1. Literally, limited; restrained; hence, temperate; observing reasonable bounds in indulgence; as moderate in eating or drinking, or in other gratifications. (usually good though not applicable)
3. Restrained in passion, ardor or temper; not violent; as moderate men of both parties.
4. Not extreme in opinion… (a moderate opinion keeper: perhaps like being midway between a ‘holy roller’ and a ‘quiet brethren? I think that’s mostly a personality issue so not applicable.)
5. Placed between extremes; holding the mean or middle place; as reformation of a moderate kind. (#2,6,7 also not applicable)
But my frustration was aroused by their ideas of what a moderate Christian is: not passionate about anything, and basically in the middle of two extremes… would that be hot or cold?
Let’s read what the Bible says:
I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ,16 NKJ
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Dt. 6:5 cleave unto him Dt 11:22
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (who waver in mind). Jas 4:8
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Jm. 1:6-8
Moderate is NOT always okay. Consider, would you want…:
- a moderate thief in your house?
- a moderate pedophile to live next door to you and your young children?
- to be married to a moderate adulterer or abuser?
- a moderately drunk doctor to operate on you?
- a moderately skilled auto mechanic to fix your brakes?
Being a moderate Christian breaks the first commandment to love the Lord completely with all our being and might.
(most important, greatest commandment Mt. 22:38)
Remember the Lord said: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent (think differently). Rev. 3:19