Avoid All Extremes

Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 7:16-18

Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

Ecclesiastes 7:16

Do you know a person who knows the answers to everything? Not because he was gifted in answering all the possible questions, but the real cause was because he wants to prove that he knew everything even though his answers are just vain answers. He wants to feel he has something to say about it, and that is what we called an extremist. He never allows the thinking of others better than his thoughts. He always wants to win in debates, in opinions, and other principles of life. We are talking about here a person who always insists his point. He never wants to lose even in the smallest arguments ,he always has something to say even if he doesn't not fully understand; that is being overly righteous.

Christians must avoid extremes; meaning, we have to choose our battles, not all battles are worth it to win if we will become extremely over-righteous, and that is not good for us. Choosing our battles means in small arguments—like how to cook rice, how to clean the dishes, how to accomplish the house chores, the laundry, or putting some decorations—just leave it to your wife or maid. She can handle it, let her decorate the room as she wants, no need to insist yourself or your preference.

There is also a character of being overwicked like a fool. Christians must also avoid this extreme. For example, in making decisions regarding small things, leave it to others, but in big things, you have to think twice or even ten times because if you just allow wickedness in your part, it will ruin your life. Never ever do wicked things.

The principle is to avoid extremes and balance is key. It is a characteristic of God. He always has a balance in His creation. He brings good times and bad times in order for us to learn from them. He is God who knows exactly how to treat us and deal with us. He shows us and teaches us to makes sure that we will have the proper knowledge about things and principles about things in life. It is good to grasp the one and not let go the other. Balance is the key to avoid all extremes.

Reflection

1. Do you have the tendency to be a perfectionist?

2. Are you knowledgeable in all things?

3. Can you tell from your experience that you have become an extremist?

Remember

The principle of how to be balanced is to avoid all extremes. God holds your future. He knows exactly what is the best for you.

Read

Proverbs 28:20-27; James 4:13-17; Luke 12:13-21; 1 Peter 1:13- 25

Pray

Dear Lord, You are an exact God who created and balanced the world. Thank You for being a great God. May we receive Your wisdom to be balanced in our thinking. In Jesus' Name, amen.