Temperance: A Fruit Of The Spirit Series

Have you noticed that our current generation (especially of Americans) has no concept of control. We are out-of-control. The recent rise in credit card induced bankruptcies, divorce attorneys, and mini-riots are skyrocketing. Road rage, impulse spending, and all sorts of addictions are seen as ‘normal’ in our society… even in the church! We have totally lost the concept of temperance: the moderation of passions and appetites (Galatians 5:22-23).

1. Balance of Power

Most of the time, we fail to realize the struggle that is fought for our desires. Commercials, billboards, temptations, clearance items. It’s fast, easy, delicious, on-sale. Every store, every restaurant, every website… vying for your money, your time, your loyalty. Too often, we fall prey these external influences and the only thing standing in our way of doing more is circumstances. We’d spend more if we had it. We’d eat more if we could stuff it. We’d love to have this or that if we could afford it. I would do that if I only had the time. We live our lives only limited by our income, our physical appearance, our current ‘situation’ and by a ticking clock. There are a few who have decided to take matters into their own hands – creating for themselves a new ‘situation.’ Divorce. Debt. Drugs. You name it – nothing will hold them back. Nothing will stand in their way.

But honestly, none of this is an external battle – it is an internal struggle between flesh and spirit. Each of us face things throughout the day that are absolutely good – and we should choose to indulge (love & laughter are two favorites). There are also things which are absolutely bad – and we should choose to abstain (sinful thoughts & practices). But much of life is ‘necessary’ – and we should choose moderation (temperance; self-control). Temperance allows the Holy Spirit to say ‘No’ to my tendencies to over-indulge and says ‘Yes’ when I don’t feel like doing what I should! Will the natural, earthly desires (‘lusts’) win out? Or will the new, spiritual man reign supreme? Max Lucado said it best:

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I refuse to what will rot rule even today! I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be fattened only by love. I will be impassioned only by faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control!

2. The Power of Self-Discipline

The Scriptures speak specifically to several areas where temperance needs applied:

- Self-control of what I do & how I behave. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul spoke of controlling his body like an athlete must do in the training process: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection : lest that by any means , when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. He was fearful of being disqualified due to out-of-control, fleshly desires. We would do well to take heed to this passage of personal testimony and wisdom.

- Self-control over what I say. The Bible speaks over 150 times about the tongue. Ephesians 4:25, 29 challenges the use of our words: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

- Self-control over the way I feel. This flies in the face of our culture – we are told that this is something you just can’t control – no way! The wisdom of Solomon: He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down , and without walls. Proverbs 25:28

- Self-control over what I think. Your mind is where it all begins. Get control of a person’s thoughts, and you’ll control him. One of the most challenging things to do, yet one of the most necessary to spiritual maturity, is this: Casting down imaginations… and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

3. Getting Plugged In

These are simple steps to help each one of us tap into the power of the Holy Spirit, for the power of temperance is only in Him. First, we’ve got to identify the problem area(s). Do you have a weak spot – an Achilles heel? James 1:14-16 encourage us to be honest about ourselves when dealing with the Tempter. Next, confess the sin to God. If you’ve fallen off the wagon, then God already knows – He just wants you to come clean about it. Stop lying to yourself, quit lying to God. Agree with Him that He was right all along. This will lead to complete forgiveness and cleansing from shame and/or guilt (1 John 1:9). Next, make yourself accountable. It amazes my how so many ‘Christians’ have a problem with this. Why do we not see how vulnerable we are when we try to go it alone? Two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Last, we must die to our desires. We must crucify our selfish flesh each and every day – because the day we don’t will be the day that Satan uses it against us (Romans 8:13).