4 Moderation
Screwtape writes to Wormwood:
“Talk to him about ‘moderation in all things’. If you can once get him to the point of thinking that religion is "all very well up to a point" you can feel quite happy about his soul. A moderated religion is as good for us as no religion at all - and more amusing.” [The Screwtape Letters, p 50]
The devil is evil – opposed to all that is good. But although he uses violence, intimidation and persecution, he is quite at home with more subtle ways to get his work done. Why bother to use a traffic accident to prevent you getting to the prayer meeting when Coronation Street or Strictly Come Dancing will do?
Ridicule is one of his weapons; moderation is another. He is happy when Christians are only mildly committed, when the gospel is seen as a hobby or a pastime rather than the life-changing thing that it really is.
When Tim Farron, a committed Christian, became leader of the Liberal Democrats back in July, The Times marked the occasion with a stinging rebuke. Under the heading ‘Illiberal Democrat’ the leader writer stated:
Mr Farron believes that every word written in the Bible is literal truth, that God has a precise plan for all of us, and that heaven and hell are physical entities to which all of us are consigned after death. [Times Leader, July 17th 2015]
Tim Farron actually believes this stuff! That is what the writer is getting at. Thank goodness that with only 8 MPs in his party he can’t do much damage!
I expect the devil was well pleased with this. How much more helpful to his cause is a person with a vague moral compass than one who has met with the Living God and been utterly changed.
Paul writes:
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15: 5, 6 [NIV]
Father, help me to live in the world without adopting its values. Give me grace to stand firm for you and to be a beacon of light in the darkness. Amen.
David Long
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