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
