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Temperance

     Temperance is a strange concept in the culture of today. The world we live in has very little of it. We see it from our eating habits to our hobbies. We want and want it all. This attitude is not physically or spiritually healthy for us. We cannot have extremes in our lives and be balanced.  How temperate are you?

     Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23) This means that Christians who have received the indwelling of the Spirit should show temperance in their lives. It is a part of the fruit we bare that shows that we are Christians. If we do not have self-control in our lives, then we are not being Christ-like. ( 1 John 2:6)  If we do not bare temperance in our Christian walk we are not really striving to  be Christians? I know that is a tuff pill to swallow. We must have self-assessment and look into the perfect law of liberty with the intent to live it. God commanded us to have temperance, it is a product of our faith, and it is one of many things that shows others we belong to God. Why would we not strive to have it in our lives?

     There are a great deal of things God asks us to do in moderation. We have an awesome God that makes things very clear for us. We need to live with self-control. Let us look at just a few things that need to be done in moderation. We must eat in moderation. (Psalms 22:26) We must work in moderation. (Mark 6:30-32) We must enjoy things in moderation. (2 Tim. 3:4) We must sleep in moderation. (Proverbs 6:9) We must have this quality to be an elder. (Titus 1:5-8) We need to seek such a life style in every way. It is pleasing to God for us to live temperate. 

     Self-control is obvious in the following. The works of the flesh must not be engaged in. (Gal. 5:19-21) There is no such thing as drinking in moderation. There is no such thing as lying in moderation. There is no such thing as lewdness in moderation. I know that our world wants us to believe there is.  This means we cannot partake in them and be pleasing to God. We cannot partake of them and fulfill the godly definition of self-control. Being temperate in all things excludes sin or the things of the flesh. Please, do not confuse moderation as a right to sin a little.

     We are to be temperate in all things. (1 Cor. 9:25) Such teaching is contrary to the world. In fact, such teaching caused Felix to tremble and send Paul away. (Acts 24:24-25) The world does not desire self-control. I know it is exercised in certain situations but that is for selfish reasons. It is not done to please God. You must have temperance so you can persevere. (2 Pet. 1:6-9) If we do not live with self-control then we lack in our faith. We will be barren and unfruitful. 

     Let us be wise and live with moderation. Make sure you are in living in moderation by God’s definition.  Do not let the world convince you that moderation in sin is acceptable to God. Have moderation so that you can bear fruit for the Lord. Take the steps you need to bring moderation into your life. Moderation is something that must be learned and practiced. Exercise temperance every day!

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