Fruits Of The Spirit Part 10: In Expression toward God: Temperance -- Moderate the Good and Abstain from the Bad

The word temperance brings to mind the Women’s Temperance movement of the 19^th Century that led to Prohibition in the early 20^th Century.  It is actually called, Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and continues to this day as the oldest continuing non-sectarian women's organization worldwide.  They were inspired by the Greek writer Xenophon who defined temperance as "moderation in all things healthful; total abstinence from all things harmful." In other words, should something be good, it should not be indulged in to excess.

We live today in a time of great indulgence.  All things good in life need to be done in balance.  Because of the great abundance that Americans have enjoyed since the birth of our nation; this is something that should be given some thought.  Jesus preached that abundance is a gift from God; but we still need to use it properly.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Peter includes temperance in an overview explanation of our Christian calling and responsibility to living a life of godliness; what it means to live in holiness and Christian virtue.

2 Peter 1:2-9 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  (3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  (4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  (5)  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  (6)  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  (7)  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  (8)  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (9)  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Through Christ Jesus we have had the vision of eternity magnified in our hearts and minds by the infilling of the Holy Ghost.  If we lack any of the above mentioned character traits, then we have become blinded to the glorious vision of our great calling.  Peter also used the word virtue.  When thinking of virtue, the Autobiography of American Statesman and Patriot, Benjamin Franklin, comes to mind.  It was once required reading of all students in public schools.  It has since faded into oblivion.  Franklin strived to live by Thirteen Virtues that he came across through his experience in life.  They speak to temperance and moderation.

Thirteen Virtues

Franklin sought to cultivate his character by a plan of thirteen virtues, which he developed at age 20 (in 1726) and continued to practice in some form for the rest of his life. His autobiography lists his thirteen virtues as:

   1. "Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."

   2. "Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."

   3. "Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."

   4. "Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."

   5. "Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."

   6. "Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."

   7. "Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."

   8. "Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."

   9. "Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."

  10. "Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."

  11. "Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."

  12. "Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."

  13. "Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

By his own admission, Franklin fell short of these virtues many times; but he believed the attempt made him a better man contributing greatly to his success and happiness, which is why he included them in his autobiography.

The Apostle Paul made this statement about moderation:

Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

There is no doubt, that this generation is closer to the return of Jesus Christ; than any other generation.  We need to live continually in the Lord.  Our life needs to be in a one way transformation process of the Holy Ghost.  Even if Christ’s return were to be known to be a far off; we should never be living outside the influence of the Holy Ghost.  We crucified sin at repentance and buried our former sinful past in the blood of Christ at baptism and are a new creation in Christ.  We can’t take a vacation from the Gospel.  Though Christ may not return for an indeterminate number of years; if we meet death due to accident or illness; Christ will have come for us now.  We should live every day as if Christ were to come at any moment; yet live fully in this life and experience it’s fullness as if we will die of a ripe old age.

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, I thank you for every good thing that comes from Heaven.  Help me to use all of my blessings and resources to live in the Gospel and to glorify you.  Help me to seek balance and moderation in good things and to abstain from anything that is not good; in Jesus’ name, Amen.