It’s easy to be extreme these days, isn’t it? We see people (ourselves included sometimes) believing in something so strongly that we think the “other side” is full of idiots. (Did you just picture social media or politics or sports teams? Me too.)
The book of Ecclesiastes has some advice about religious extremes too: “Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes” (7:16-18).
When it comes to faith, we want to be all-in, yet it’s pretty clear that God is cautioning us about getting over righteous or legalistic. That’s when religion is more about rules than a relationship with Jesus. We also don’t want to be fools and act as if God’s grace gives us blanket permission to sin.
Instead, with the Holy Spirit’s coaching, discernment, and wisdom, you and I make informed decisions about what our lives look like as believers. You and I can be loud, opinionated, and still have fun with friends. We are allowed to read more books than just the Bible. We can listen to more than just Christian music, and we don’t have to stop watching every single movie out there.
Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.
P.S. To be fair, there is some extremism in faith. Only one way to get to heaven? Yes. But that’s another devotion for another time.
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About the Author
Linda Buxa
Linda Buxa is a freelance writer and editor and a regular blogger and contributing writer for Time of Grace. She is the author of How to Fight Anxiety With Joy, Visible Faith: Living a Fruitful Life in Christ, Dig In! Family Devotions to Feed Your Faith, and other Time of Grace books. Linda and her husband, Greg, have lived in Alaska, Washington D.C., California, and are now in Wisconsin. They have three pretty great kids who are all taller than she is.