Moderation is a key part of a responsible life. It is demanded in most everything. Moderation in substance (food, alcohol, cigarettes). Moderation in humor. Moderation in language. I consider myself to be a moderate. To be a moderate is to not lean any one way to any extreme in things that don’t demand absolute truths. Even politically. To have moderate political views means I do not lean completely one way or the other regarding government and politics. Instead, I find the best way is a healthy place in the middle. Without moderation, there are people like communists, liberals, and even what the world would consider to be "uber-conservatives" (going to such an extreme regarding things that have a truth attached, like being convinced that alcohol, in any small amount, is evil. Or a simple cigarette is damning). Moderation, of course, does not apply to everything. Such as things that are absolute "should or should not be’s” (for example, having moderate political views, in no way, means I am not completely against the sick idea of abortion).
But has anyone ever thought that Virtues demand a certain amount of moderation?
To Love, to be humble, kind, patient, compassionate, strong, ect.... are the most important concepts of life to abide by. By saying virtue demands moderation, I do not mean one should not act fully on virtue. My purpose for correlating moderation with virtue is to express the truth of the Lies that can be hidden in them.
For example, Humility, is one of the strongest human characteristics to practice. It demands love, self-control, kindness, obligation and so much more. There is no limit in practicing Humility. However, in practicing it, a very dangerous lie could present itself. Part of, both, being a moderate and practicing humility has taught me how to present myself in social interactions. Especially ones where topics that go against the truths I am most passionate about are presented. "Bite my tongue" and just chill. Its like the phrase, preach by example, not by words. Humility plays a key role in this along with the realization that, strictly speaking, in particular random social situations, it is not my place. However, there is a lie that can sneak into this truth. To be a friend means to support and or share mutual understandings with. More importantly, it means to strive with. To be a crutch for. If one friend is jumping into the fire, the other would obviously pull him or her out. However, the lie presents itself that, like in random social situations, it is also not your place with your friend. This is the lie that can be presented with humility. With a friend (assuming you two are actually friends) your obligation in interaction with that friend is the opposite of ones obligation in a random social environment.
Some time ago, I had done something I deeply regret. When I brought it to my friend, he seemed to already know what happened. I asked him how he knew and he said he saw it happening. Tears filled my eyes as I asked in shock, "Why didn’t you step in and do something? Why didn’t you help me?". He replied, "Because it was not my place...". I had this friend for support and mutual goals. Someone to look to for help in times of weakness and vice versa. And when I needed him most, he let me fall... (because he thought "It wasn’t his place"). The obligations between friends are strong in support. Without that support, the word "friend" loses its definition.
This is not a reason to act only moderately on practicing humility. However, it is reason to think and be smart in the truth of the actual virtue being practiced. Even Compassion has lies that can be hidden in it, as well as many others...
-Do all things in Christ, and all will be right
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