Excessive Questions

I love the Web. It’s a time saver.

I hate the Web. It’s a time waster.

I love ice cream. It’s yummy.

I hate ice cream. It’s fattening.

I love shopping. It’s productive.

I hate shopping. It’s tempting.

Why is there a good and a bad side to every activity under the sun? Maybe it’s because there’s a good and bad side in the Spirit world. The Lord drawing me toward Him and righteousness, the Evil One pulling me toward excess and sin.

There is also a good and a bad side within me. The walk of faith is a fine line between the two. Enjoying the Lord’s bountiful gifts, rejoicing in what He offers, giving thanks for His generous provision—without excess.

How do I use the Web, enjoy food, or shop without excess? At what point does Web surfing sweep me away into dangerous waters that drag me off course? When is eating displeasing to the Lord? Is there a righteous way to shop?

I don’t really know—at least not in the place where my every day choices are made. But, I think living a life that is in balance requires self-control, so that I control myself and am not controlled by impulses, greed or desires which can lead to sin. But, self-control is not about making or keeping external rules, is it? Not about following a list of restraints or only engaging in allowed activities. Because rule keeping does little to discern or purify internal motives.

Food is good. Technology is good. Provisions are good. But they can also be bad, not in themselves, but in me. Internally.

Do you have a way to tell when you’re moving into excess? If so, how do you practice self-control in order to keep activities positive and not destructive? What works for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.