Day 16 – Temperance

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

Temperance  – moderation in thought, word, or action: emotional restraint or self-control.

Even the apostle Paul knew the power of the flesh to topple his ministry, so he refused his craving flesh to develop strength of character. Temperance (or self-control) is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Biblical standard for Christians is that we allow nothing but the Holy Spirit to guide our ways. But living a life pleasing to God without temperance is impossible because of our needy, self-pleasing, selfish flesh.

However, some mistakenly believe temperance means we can dabble in sin as long as we are not overcome by it because we are covered by grace. This is far from the truth, along with temperance we should exercise caution, discernment, and wisdom – staying as far from sin as we possibly can. When our heart’s desire is truly to please God and live in righteousness as Jesus gave us through the sacrifice of His life, we understand the need to suppress the needs of our fleshly desires and practice the virtue of temperance in all that we do.

Prayer: Father, we do not always understand the virtues You scribed in Your Word, but studying them makes it all the more clear that through these virtues, we can grow in a strong relationship with You. Thank You, Lord, for teaching us the importance of temperance and please help me to withstand the desires of my flesh and to truly seek You in everything. Amen.