Self-Control – Temperance

Posted January 11th, 2008 by MamaArcher 5 Comments »

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Our society today is one of indulgence and freedom of expression even to the extreme of bringing detriment to others. Society tells us it is all about us; live life however you want, be happy, do what feels good. Even in the circumstances that one is told to do whatever you want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, people rarely even glance to see if they are indeed hurting anyone else. After all, we are to live life to the fullest, live in excess! But God calls us to a life of self-control or temperance.

TEM’PERANCE, n. [L. temperantia, from tempero.]
1. Moderation; particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; as temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth. Temperance in eating and drinking is opposed to gluttony and drunkenness, and in other indulgences, to excess.
2. Patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion.
He calm’d his wrath with goodly temperance. [Unusual.]

So how are we to live with self-control or temperance especially in a culture which promotes the opposite view?

First, we must pay attention to the obvious. Temperance is a Fruit of the Spirit. We must be walking in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Secondly, we must continually exercise our minds and hearts to dwell on the things of the Lord. If we are consumed with the things of the Lord then we will be less likely to carry out the actions of the flesh.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

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5 Responses to “Self-Control – Temperance”
  1. Alicia Says:
    January 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    I saw your comment on my WW post – our floors are too hard and cold to go barefoot in winter lol

    And I know, I go and prod Robin to start the meme back up again and prod you to get involved and then I myself go awol lol. However – reading what you ladies post is such a blessing every week and not just to me from what I’ve noticed.

    I was also bugging Jacque on Fridays but I think she needs to be bugged on Wednesdays since she prefers to have a lot of time to think before posting. I stopped though because although I enjoy her posts, I didn’t want to become a pest. lol

    As for self-control – wow – it seems the Lord has been helping me understand the great need for this fruit in regards to my thoughts. The verses you mentioned about taking thoughts captive and those things we are commanded to think on have been key. Hmm .. maybe with some thought I can come up with a short post about it for today’s meme.

    I’ll come back by if I get something up.

    God bless and thank you for participating today!

  2. Heart of Wisdom Says:
    January 11th, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    Ezcellent post. “continually exercise our minds and hearts to dwell on the things of the Lord. If we are consumed with the things of the Lord then we will be less likely to carry out the actions of the flesh.”

    Sums up Christianity doesn’t it?

    I was thinking about diligence being a fruit but then I realized it is–its a part of self control. I need to work on diligence…maybe next weeks topic.

    Thanks for the post.

  3. Anonymous Says:
    January 11th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    Wow. Self control This is something I try to teach continuously in my home… with me learning, as well. I appreciate your words of encouragement today.

    Valerie

  4. DrillerAA Says:
    January 11th, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    Self control is an extremely difficult concept to teach in this society. We now have a generation that has mostly been taught “Self-entitlement”, you are entitled to happiness and whatever it takes to make you happy. Unfortunately, many never learn that self-indulgence rarely leads to happiness. In fact, self control is responsible for much more happiness in our lives. Who knew that God would be correct about such things?

  5. MamaArcher Says:
    January 12th, 2008 at 12:30 am

    Gods ways are not our ways. Once we realize slavery to Christ is true freedom there is great joy!