#extremeliving

In a previous post I talked about the overall message of Ecclesiastes... how meaningless life seems from our perspective and apart from God.  

Despite how long ago it was written (possibly as early as the tenth century BC), this “teacher of wisdom” (likely King Solomon), makes observations that are still relevant in our day.  Here’s one:

“In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. 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.” - Eccl. 7:15-18

Avoiding extremes...hhmm

We’ve seen plenty of people “living long in their wickedness,” as well as those self-righteous, legalists, “perishing in [what they see as] their righteousness.” Of these types Jesus says, “what sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden.” (Luke 11:46 NLT)

Extremely wicked people have made themselves the god of their universe.  Extremely “righteous” people have made their religious performance their god. 

Living in one extreme or the other is spiritual prison.  On the one hand chained to an ever increasing need for self-gratification, and on the other to a standard always just out of reach.  Neither produces peace and both lead to destruction.

If we live in the fear of God (in reverence, honor, and awe of Him), our mind and heart has been illuminated.  Like the prodigal, we’ve come to our senses and realized not only our offense toward people but our offense against the Almighty (Luke 15:17ff). We’ve understood the power of the “One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28), and that all our “righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Is. 64:6).  We’ve also realized the depth of God’s grace and love (Romans 8), as well as his patience toward us “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).