Temperance (Self Control)



Temperance- 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.

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

 We all need to learn more self control with our cell phones and ipods. Putting them down and having real life connections with people, face to face. Praying more and reading our Bibles more and using our cell phones less.

God rewards your self-control. Look at Joseph. While he spent a number of years in prison and as a slave, eventually he rose to the highest appointed position in Egypt and even found his family once again. God will eventually reward your self-control. You just need to have some patience. Sometimes when we get frustrated with situations that involve others, we have a tendency to say hurtful things, before we really think about what we are saying. At times it is difficult for us to be careful with our words, this is when  we need God’s help. God can help us control our tongues; we need to trust God to help us in this area. 

Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Prov. 12:15-16 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.”

Speaking too hastily is like a tube of toothpaste. Once you squeeze it and the toothpaste comes out, there’s no way to put it back in. The words out of a fool’s mouth are quick and it’s too late to do damage control as the damage has been done.

The believer’s testimony speaks the loudest about how we walk with the Lord. We can blab all we want, but our actions will reflect whose fruit we are displaying – the fruit of the Holy Spirit or the fruit of the world (the devil’s fruit).  The more a Christian is in the Word and applying it to their life, the more they will exercise that muscle of self control. It does not come over night – it comes with much practice. The world thinks that it’s good for you to speak your mind. However, the Lord thinks differently.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Struggling mother/ homeschooler

Sometimes I just feel like a horrible mother I cannot get my children to behave and it can be very discouraging. I wonder sometimes if I made a mistake in choosing to homeschool, It's a daily challenge to make the boys do their school and focus on their lessons. Every time I think of giving up and putting them in public school I get another email from Fox news about another school shooting. It really scares me to think about what could happen if I put my children back in public school and if someone brought a gun in the school system. I would never be able to forgive myself for giving up on homeschooling them.

We know it's the best thing for our children to be home with us. We are able to make our own schedule according to revivals and church activities. Not being tied down and stuck on the public school schedule is wonderful! They are learning Bible principles in almost all their lessons. I mean the way I think of it... isn't all parenting difficult? I can't just give up that would be so wrong of me I have to keep going one day at a time. I just keep telling myself "you can do this Terri, don't give up on your children they need you and they look to you for guidance".

So I feel a lot of pressure to make the best decisions for them and do the right things. I also set very high standards for myself and strive for perfection. When I don't meet my goals I am dissappointed in myself. (please tell my I'm not the only one) Being a mother is the hardest job in the world! I truly believe it, not only because I'm training children to become adults one day, but also because I do not get paid for what I do.  Maybe when they grow up they will take care of me or one day in heaven I'll be rewarded (I hope). But for now I have to stay focused and not let the devil steal my joy.