Meden Agan

Philippians 4:5a  Let your moderation be known unto all men.

In ancient Greece, the temple of Apollo at Delphi bore the inscription Meden Agan - 'Nothing in excess'.

Moderation is self-control.

Moderation is a lifelong process, and is considered to be a key part of one's personal development. There is nothing that cannot be moderated including one's actions, ones desires and even thoughts. It is believed that by doing so one achieves a more natural state, faces less resistance in life, and recognizes one's limits. 

For a year and a half I have been trying to intake food very moderately.  Dieting certainly puts the food pyramid (or pie, or whatever it's called now) on front and center stage.  Dieting never allows for excess.  I have not conquered this "battle of the bulge", but I certainly am learning more self-control than ever before AND the health benefits of eating the right things!  Self-control in this area has also reaped rewards. Which is what self-control has the ability of obtaining in all areas of life.    

Moderation:  The process of eliminating or lessening extremes. 

Moderation is a key principle of life.  It is used to ensure normality.  And, if practiced, it certainly ensures consistency.

Thinking on these lines, I can not help but ask a few questions.

Am I self-controlled in my thinking?  Do I consistently reign in & throw out those bad thoughts that try to land and take root in my spirit?  concerning of myself? or of others?

Am I self-controlled in my relationships? Is my parenting in moderation?  Am I allowing God to work where my child is concerned, or am I too much of a "helicopter-mom" that even He can't do the work that's intended? 

Do I show to all others that I am lessening/eliminating extreme behaviors?  such as what I say?  to whom I say?  how I act? 

Oh it is quite possible to abort another's faith/future/present/dreams/ambitions just by the excessive bickerings/worries/interrogations of what comes from our own mouth and actions.  Yes, quite possible indeed.  This, too, is a very sad state of affairs. for everyone concerned. 
****
Lord, help me to reign in myself.  Help me to keep myself on a "short rope", anchored to You, never roaming so far out that I can not feel the tug of Your Spirit instructing me.   
****
Self-Control is a 'key for success' in regard to all areas of our living.  Paul thought it important.  I certainly believe God thinks it's important. 

So should we.     

Psalm 96:13...for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.