Many times, people think of the word “temperance” only in connection with alcohol. Regardless of what men and women think today about the term “temperance,” it literally means “self-control.”1 The word is translated from the Greek word egkrateia (eg-krat’-i-ah), which is derived from two root words, Eg meaning “self,” (from which English derives the word “ego”), and kratos (strength), which refers to “one holding himself in, the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.”2

Temperance is control over the whole person (spirit, soul, and body) which enables him or her to live a victorious life. Where this virtue subsists, temptation can have little influence. It means the dominion which one has over oneself, a dominion over our own thoughts, words, and actions. As Paul says, “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). That is temperance!

To a certain extent, temperance - self-control - is actually an overall foundation underlying all the other fruits of the Spirit. Why can we say this? It is because temperance is distinctly entwined with the power of choice. Only by self-control can we choose to love when faced with hatred. Only by self-control can we choose to experience joy in times of frustration and sorrow. Only by self-control can we choose to the path of peace in times of turmoil and pain. Only by self-control can we choose to be long-suffering when severely tried. Only by self-control can we choose to exercise gentleness under rough provocation. Only by self-control can we choose the way of goodness when evil is prevailing and temptation is rampant. Only by self-control can we choose to experience faith when all odds are against us. Only by self-control can we choose the grace of meekness when unjustly abused.

Temperance is the way of disciplined grace. It is grace because it is free; it is disciplined because there is something for us to do. Once we have understood and accepted God’s unmerited favor, we set out to grow in that grace. Self-control is not the negative or the dark side, nor is it some sort of bad news, but it is an integral part of grace itself. Self-control is the human soil where this gift of grace grows and blossoms into the full flower of love. If we don’t control ourselves and our feelings, then our appetites, our drives will control us. It’s either self-control under the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, or something or someone else that is controlling us.

Self-control is essential. Yet, sadly, the human predicament is aptly described by the apostle Paul as follows: “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Romans 7:18, 19). In our limited realm, too often we find that our good intentions can all too easily disintegrate into ropes of sand. This is why genuine “self-control” in its best sense is not really human control at all. It can occur only when the human agent is under full control of a higher power, a loftier “krateo” - the omnipotent strength of Jesus Christ.

“In childhood and youth the character is most impressible. The power of self-control should then be acquired. By the fireside and at the family board influences are exerted whose results are as enduring as eternity. More than any natural endowment, the habits established in early years decide whether a man will be victorious or vanquished in the battle of life. Youth is the sowing time. It determines the character of the harvest, for this life and for the life to come.”3

As discussed earlier in this Week of Prayer, the people of God in the last days are to be distinguished for their exemplary patience: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Yet “it is impossible for an intemperate man to be a patient man. First temperance, then patience.”4

“The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan’s snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God’s word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ’s second coming.”5

“Intemperance of any kind benumbs the perceptive organs and so weakens the brain-nerve power that eternal things are not appreciated, but placed upon a level with the common. The higher powers of the mind, designed for elevated purposes, are brought into slavery to the baser passions. If our physical habits are not right, our mental and moral powers cannot be strong; for great sympathy exists between the physical and the moral. The apostle Peter understood this and raised his voice of warning to his brethren: ‘Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul’ (1 Peter 2:11)

“There is but little moral power in the professed Christian world. Wrong habits have been indulged, and physical and moral laws have been disregarded, until the general standard of virtue and piety is exceedingly low. Habits which lower the standard of physical health enfeeble mental and moral strength. The indulgence of unnatural appetites and passions has a controlling influence upon the nerves of the brain. The animal organs are strengthened, while the moral are depressed. It is impossible for an intemperate man to be a Christian, for his higher powers are brought into slavery to the passions.

“Those who have had the light upon the subjects of eating and dressing with simplicity in obedience to physical and moral laws, and who turn from the light which points out their duty, will shun duty in other things. If they blunt their consciences to avoid the cross which they will have to take up to be in harmony with natural law, they will, in order to shun reproach, violate the Ten Commandments. There is a decided unwillingness with some to endure the cross and despise the shame. Some will be laughed out of their principles. Conformity to the world is gaining ground among God’s people, who profess to be pilgrims and strangers, waiting and watching for the Lord’s appearing.”6

Temperance comes as a result of knowledge. The apostle Peter bids us, “add . . . to knowledge temperance” (2 Peter 1:5, 6).

The Scriptures bring out one example of a person who was given knowledge - enlightenment - and was taught about temperance: “When Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:24, 25). How tragic was the decision of Felix! When opportunities for higher education in matters of temperance come to us, are we in danger of rejecting the light which so graciously shines upon our pathway? “The knowledge of God is the real essence of education. The education that would supersede this knowledge, or dismiss it from the mind, as Felix dismissed Paul, when he spoke to him of temperance, righteousness, and judgment to come, is not of God. . . .

“And today multitudes are saying the same [as did Felix]. Their minds are called to the deep subjects of truth, problems as high as heaven and as broad as eternity; but they say, ‘I cannot bring these subjects into my daily studies; for they would so stir up my mind as to unfit me for the daily routine of study. I have never mastered Bible problems. I cannot take up this study now. Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.’”7

Somehow, when we put things off, there never seems to be a “convenient” time. Going uphill - advancing - always tends to be inconvenient. Yet to be “inconvenienced” in this way would be nonetheless fruitful. Precious light may come to us on the subject of temperance. Living up to this light is for our benefit, both now and for eternity.

“The principles of temperance must be carried further than the mere use of spirituous liquors. The use of stimulating and indigestible food is often equally injurious to health, and in many cases sows the seeds of drunkenness. True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful. There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. The appetite should ever be in subjection to the moral and intellectual powers. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body.”8

Pray for it. Christ is waiting to pour out all the gifts and graces of His Holy Spirit upon His people.

Practice it. Every skill has to be practiced. Self-control does not come in a day. It comes in hits and misses, in successes and failures as we try to practice it day after day.

Cultivate the habits of godliness. On a practical level, the conversion of our life consists mainly of changing our habits. If we fail to build new habits into our life, when the crisis comes, we will fall back into the old habits. Self-control consists largely of building new habits of behavior into our life in the fruit of the Spirit.

Guard thoughts and desires. We need to remember that the mind is the source or origin of all we do and say. If we are going to control our words and actions, it must begin with our mind. Many people get this reversed, thinking that if they change their actions, then the right thoughts will come. That is wrong. Solomon says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

We must not constantly place ourselves where our weaknesses will be tested. When we practice God’s gift of self-control, we will begin to discover real changes in our life.

To gain self-control we have to be like the athlete. Preparation is necessary to the success of the contestants. Those who desire their names as participant for the prize have to undergo a rigorous preparatory training. Harmful lenience of diet, or any other indulgence that would weaken mental or physical strength, is strictly banned. The rules of the events are clearly acknowledged. The participants fix their attention with a purpose to win.

Our self-control involves three things: an aim or the goal, a list of training rules, and the effort or perseverance. (1) We must recognize our high calling and should keep our eyes focused on the goal, and run so that we can win a prize. (2) A list of training rules must be maintained. The champion athletes have a list of do’s and don’ts. They practice every day, and with adequate sleep and nourishment, all go into strict training. So should we have a training routine, and the more we practice the better we grow. (3) We should maintain a constant, sustained effort. The athlete does not quit halfway through. He goes and keeps on going.

Put on Christ and be filled with His Spirit. To cultivate self-control we must put on Christ and be filled with His Spirit. History tells us that one of the Roman Caesars had a slave as a constant companion. The slave’s duty was to whisper in the emperor’s ear - “You are human.” We need that reminder. We are only human, filled with human frailties and sins and shortcomings. On our own and by our own strength, we cannot exercise self-control. Only by the grace of God, the power of Christ, and the indwelling of the Spirit can we be self-controlled.

Once again, we do not want to fall into the trap of Felix. Though he was a man of eminence - a Roman governor - nevertheless, his rejection of heaven-sent light was a foolish choice and rendered his ultimate legacy a disgrace. He had simply refused to turn away from worldly pleasures to dedicate himself to his Creator. But dedication to God - consecration to Christ - is paramount to a genuinely successful life.

“How many professed Christians are enfeebling their powers in the pursuit of gain or the worship of fashion; how many are debasing their godlike manhood by gluttony, by wine drinking, by forbidden pleasure.”9

“The lower passions have their seat in the body and work through it. The words, ‘flesh’ or ‘fleshly’ or ‘carnal lusts’ embrace the lower, corrupt nature; the flesh of itself cannot act contrary to the will of God. We are commanded to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts. How shall we do it? Shall we inflict pain on the body? No; but put to death the temptation to sin. The corrupt thought is to be expelled. Every thought is to be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. All animal propensities are to be subjected to the higher powers of the soul.”10

“Self-control can be complete only in the strength which comes from Jesus Christ, ever true to the rightful dominion of the higher powers and attributes having dominion over the lower.

“The power of self-restraint grows by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition becomes habitual and easy until right principles, right actions enter into and become a part of ourselves, and through the grace of Christ mold the sinner into a new character. He becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus.”11

“[Jesus] took the field of conflict to fight in man’s behalf, that all who desired to leave the cruel bondage of the ‘god of this world’ (2 Corinthians 4:4), might be set free, to serve the living God. Through all the lowly experiences of life, the exalted Son of God, consented to pass, step by step, from the manger to the cross; for ‘he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham’ (Hebrews 2:16). And ‘he was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin’ (Hebrews 4:15). In the wilderness He fasted forty days, and was tried by every subtle temptation that the prince of darkness could devise. Weak and emaciated from hunger, worn and haggard with mental agony, He suffered the depth of temptation and sorrow, and ‘he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him’ (Hebrews 7:25). The nature of man had become so weakened by transgression, that it was an impossibility for him to overcome in his own strength; for he was led captive at the will of Satan; but, through the strength of Christ, every one may be an overcomer. We may be more than conquerors through Him who has ‘loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood’ (Revelation 1:5).”12

May God help us to be temperate in all things.