Lord, If It Is to Be, It is Up to Thee

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. - Philippians 4:5

    A television preacher recently declared that he needed fifty thousand new supporters if his ministry were to continue. He urged the people to adopt this watchword, “If it is to be—it is up to me!” Now, friends, this may be true of religious organizations and programs; but this preacher and every true servant of God prays this prayer continually, “Lord, if it is to be—it is up to thee!” “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build” (Psa. 127:1).

Let your moderation be known to all

    This is the only time the word “moderation” is used in the Bible; and it does not have to do with temperance in food and drink; but it has to do with attitude and conduct. The meaning is “mild and gentle.” Let all people in the church and in the world see and recognize you as a gentle and kind person. Be known, not as harsh and demanding (this seems to be the code of the day), but as “kind and tenderhearted” (Eph. 4:32).