“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Gal.5:22-23. KJV
Temperance can be defined as self control, moderation or spiritual discipline. It is the
ability to exercise restraint over one’s desires, thoughts, appetites, emotions and actions
especially in the face of temptation. It is translated from the Greek word ‘enkrateia’
which means power over oneself.
One of the motivations for self control is having a purpose in life that you are pursuing to
fulfil. “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who
heeds wisdom’s instruction.” Prov.29:18 NIV. “And everyone who competes for the
prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but
we for an imperishable crown….. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection,
lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
ICOR.9:25,27. The implication of this is there cannot be success in any human
endeavour, spiritual or secular, without temperance or self control.
Self control or temperance is a sign of spiritual maturity and is essential to spiritual
growth. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches
us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright
and godly lives in this present age,” Titus 2:11-12 NIV. “Teach the older men to be
temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in
endurance.” Titus 2:2. NIV.
Self discipline is a necessity in walking in obedience to God as demonstrated by Daniel.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the
king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief
of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8. The person that is self
disciplined will stay consistent in his commitment to God and His word.
When a person lacks self control, he exposes himself to attacks by the enemy. “Like a
city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected] Is a man who has no
self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble].” Prov 25:28 AMP.
We also need to exercise self control in the use of our tongues and the thoughts we
meditate on.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.
Whether life grinds a man down or polishes him depends on what he is made of. A
diamond cannot be polished without friction nor a man perfected without trials. Great
pilots are made in tough waters and deep seas —– Kathryn Kuhlman.