MOD Mode

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”- 1 Corinthians 14:40

Becoming a believer who loves and lives by the Word of God is transformative to our faith, relationships, and daily living. When the Bible becomes our starting place each day we will discover wisdom, truth, and hope for the present journey. And when the Scriptures become the ultimate authority in who we are and what we do, success will accompany every step and season. In Joshua 1:8 the Lord commands, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make a complete commitment to be informed, inspired, influenced, and impacted by WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS. Listen to the words of Peter in his first letter (1:23), “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.”

One common directive found in the Bible often goes overlooked and unchecked by Christ followers but is a major reason the year begins with people making resolutions: MODERATION. Many will make a resolution to be a better spouse and parent, because they have spent too much time at work. Some will craft healthier lifestyles, to combat and regain control of appetites that are detrimental to the physical body. Some will put limits on screen time and idle time. Some will take back real estate of their thought life, by removing excess negativity, insecurity, lies, and false narratives. Some will create a budget and choose to be a better steward of finance to combat against past impulsive, extracurricular spending habits.

Let’s not allow our approaching the Bible to become a checklist of “dos and don’ts” based on our own perception of what BIG COMMANDS are important to follow. It’s often in the little things, the simple places of obedience, the seemingly mundane disciplines and decisions, which produces the greatest places of growth and blessing. In 1 Corinthians 10:23 Paul states, “I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.” Whether it is how we spend our time, how we spend our money, who we choose as friends, what we choose to believe, and what we give our energy to, may we learn to moderate these areas, so they do not become our masters.

With so much at our fingertips, may we exhibit a winning faith by getting things in order, living by the Spirit, and heeding every truth, command, and good word in God’s Word!