The "Scale:"
[le·gal·ism] strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, esp. to the letter rather than the spirit.
[self-con·trol] control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.
—Synonyms: self-discipline, self-restraint, willpower, levelheadedness.
[grace] the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
[in·dulge] to yield to an inclination or desire; allow oneself to follow one's will.
[world·ly] of or pertaining to this world as contrasted with heaven, spiritual life, etc.; earthly; mundane.
—Synonyms: temporal. —Antonyms: spiritual.
So, how do we chose that arbitrary number that represents a balance in all of these? And is that exact degree on the scale the same for all Christians?
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
I am still searching to find the degree of balance in my life, and I have a hard time believing that everyone is balanced at the same "number." I do know for sure, that if I want my heart in the right place on that scale, I need to "love the Lord with ALL [my] heart and with all [my]soul and with all [my] mind." Matthew 22:37 And, I know, that I am to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely...and run...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of [my] faith." Hebrews 12:1-2
The extremes (over indulgence/worldliness and legalism) are not biblical. But both grace and self-control are. Self-control is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit living in us, and "grace upon grace" is given to us through Christ's death to cover our Sin. Do we consider both of these equally, are they balanced? When does our self control slip over the line and become legalism? Where does our freedom in Christ show a loophole allowing us to indulge in Worldly behaviors?
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