Written by Christie Karns
I Corinthians 9:25 “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” We live in an abundant time. With many modern conveniences available today, we are accustomed to finding easy and quick solutions to life’s problems. If we allow it, this tends to create laziness. Many allow a slothful attitude to dominate their life, but others will combat this by exercising extreme measures. How does a Christian find the balance between the two?
For example, let’s look at the American diet. With the rise of fast food consumption and progress in food preservation, it is easy to substitute convenience and speed for health and quality. From keto to vegetarian, no-sugar to paleo, these diets require great restraint to only eating what they deem healthy. Conversely, others give little consideration to their health, only their cravings. They are not careful to make wise choices and they consume excess sugar and processed foods.
Another timeless topic is finances. Some will work hard and save, insisting on only spending cash. Others are more frugal they refuse credit cards or even to go into debt for a reasonable purchase such as buying a home or vehicle. On the flip side, others spend money with reckless abandon. They don’t follow a budget and buy things on emotional whims. Credit cards are abused, and they get into debt over their heads.
Society is full of these dichotomies. Our world has progressed much in terms of modern luxuries that make our day-to-day life much easier. A few examples are automobiles, dishwashers, and running water. We have grown accustomed to the conveniences of the modern day. Yet, once again, there are those who do not embrace advancements in technology like vehicles, considering it more important to continue in the old-fashioned traditions that have been passed down through the years.
What about the spiritual aspect of man? Our physical, spiritual, and mental departments are all connected. If we care about our physical prosperity, then there is a good chance that we will also care about our spiritual state. We need to look to the Word of God, instead of the opinions of man to find a correct balance for every aspect of life. III John 2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Verse four says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” These scriptures put the emphasis on the spiritual. The soul of man is the most important part of us. When we have peace with God, then everything else can fall into its proper place.
Concerning our health and diet, the Bible instructs us to use temperance with what we put into our bodies. As Christians, we should not be without self-control. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” We should be careful not to defile our temple. However, Christ taught us, it is the evil that comes from within the heart that defiles a man. Here, we find the importance first on the spiritual, while providing us with biblical principles to guide us in the physical.
Finally, is technology something that the Christian need abstain from? In John 17: 15, Jesus prays that God would not take us out of the world, but that He would keep us from the evil. Technology itself is not the evil, and with moderation and wisdom a Christian has no shame in using it.
Most of all, thank God for Jesus’ blood and what it can do for a man’s heart! Where the law and traditions failed to make righteous the heart of man, the power of salvation enables a man to be redeemed and gives him power to live a holy life! The Word of God is a proven guide for living a holy, temperate life, well pleasing to God.
