“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22, 23).

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Peter 1:5–7).

“The subject of temperance, in all its bearings, has an important place in the working out of our salvation. Because of wrong habits of eating, the world is becoming more and more immoral.”3

1. Temperance In Eating

One of the points that we need to consider in relation to temperance is that of eating. What story in the Bible do you think can testify of a real example of temperance in eating? The one which often comes readily to mind is the example of Daniel. What did Daniel really refuse?

“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink” (Daniel 1:8, 11, 12).

God’s desire is for us to be healthy. He wants us to prosper both physically and spiritually; that is why He gave a plant-based diet to Adam and Eve after their creation. “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat” (Genesis 1:29).

“Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; They remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red Sea. . . . They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert” “And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust” (Psalm 106:7, 13, 14; 78:18).

A significant reason why it is no longer even safe to eat meat is because the animal creation is groaning in pain, terribly afflicted with various diseases. In Jeremiah 45:5, the prophet prophesied that God would “bring evil upon all flesh,” and in His mercy, the Lord gave us a dietary plan to protect us from many diseases. It is high time now to go back to the original diet given by God to man. “Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs. The eating of flesh is unnatural. We are to return to God’s original purpose in the creation of man.”4

“The parents who know the truth in regard to the indulgence of appetite should not permit their children to eat to excess, or to eat flesh-meat or other foods that excite the passions. Man is built up from what he eats. The use of flesh-meat strengthens the lower propensities, and excites them to increased activity. Parents should discard everything that endangers the moral and physical health of their children. They should not place flesh-meat on the table.”5

“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 11).

In the wilderness, “the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?” (Numbers 11:4). “And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust” (Psalm 78:18).

How did the Lord respond to their demand? “Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the Lord, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the Lord will give you flesh, and ye shall eat. Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the Lord which is among you. . . . And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague. And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted” (Numbers 11:18–20, 33, 34).

“Those who have received instruction regarding the evils of the use of flesh foods, tea and coffee, and rich and unhealthful food preparations, and who are determined to make a covenant with God by sacrifice, will not continue to indulge their appetite for food that they know to be unhealthful. . . . This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people.”6

“Men, then, can make their bodies unholy by sinful indulgences. If unholy, they are unfitted to be spiritual worshipers, and are not worthy of heaven. If man will cherish the light that God in mercy gives him upon health reform, he may be sanctified through the truth, and fitted for immortality. But if he disregards that light, and lives in violation of natural law, he must pay the penalty.”7

“Sins of the greatest magnitude are committed through the indulgence of perverted appetite.”8 How is perverted appetite especially depicted?

“A positive injury is done to the system by continuous meat eating. There is no excuse for it but a depraved, perverted appetite.9

“If, after so much light has been given, God’s people will cherish wrong habits, indulging self and refusing to reform, they will suffer the sure consequences of transgression. If they are determined to gratify perverted appetite at any cost, God will not miraculously save them from the consequences of their indulgence. They ‘shall lie down in sorrow.’ ”10

An alarming statement from the Spirit of Prophecy further illustrates that flesh meat is dangerous to our health. “Flesh meats constitute the principal article of food upon the tables of some families, until their blood is filled with cancerous and scrofulous humors. Their bodies are composed of what they eat. But when suffering and disease come upon them, it is considered an affliction of Providence.”11

In Ellen White’s day, many doctors did not know that eating meat could cause fatal diseases in our bodies. But today science has confirmed it. For example, when meat is roasted or grilled, the fats in the meat melt and fall onto the burning coal, producing smoke, and this smoke produces methylcholanthrene and benzopyrene. Cured meats such as bacon and ham contain nitrosamines. When ingested into the body they will destroy the DNA of the cell and instead of dying they will multiply rapidly and form cysts and tumours. Meat also contains saturated fat in the form of cholesterol.12

“The World Health Organization has classified processed meats including ham, bacon, salami and frankfurts as a Group 1 carcinogen (known to cause cancer) which means that there’s strong evidence that processed meats cause cancer. Eating processed meat increases your risk of bowel and stomach cancer. Red meat, such as beef, lamb and pork, has been classified as a Group 2A carcinogen which means it probably causes cancer.”13

Aside from eating meat, there are also counsels from the Spirit of Prophecy about certain dietary practices and wrong lifestyles that will destroy our health. Although they are not a test of fellowship, it is worthwhile to follow them in order to have good health.

2. Mixing fruits and vegetable in one meal; not a good combination

“Vegetables and fruit should not be eaten at the same meal. At one meal use bread and fruit, at the next bread and vegetables.”14

Scientists have discovered that the stomach uses different enzymes for digesting fruits and vegetables. When fruit is eaten, it should typically be eaten alone and on an empty stomach, because it digests faster than other foods. However, mixing fruits and vegetables together (all of which take a different amount of time to digest) can cause gas. The same type of thing happens even with juices; it can cause flatulence, heartburn, and even migraines.15

3. Eating between meals should be avoided

“After the regular meal is eaten, the stomach should be allowed to rest for five hours. Not a particle of food should be introduced into the stomach till the next meal. In this interval the stomach will perform its work, and will then be in a condition to receive more food.”16

Most people enjoy better health while eating two meals a day than three; others, under their existing circumstances, may require something to eat at supper-time; but this meal should be very light.”17

It is interesting to note how science today has discovered the risk of frequent eating: “The influence of meal frequency and timing on health and disease has been a topic of interest for many years. While epidemiological evidence indicates an association between higher meal frequencies and lower disease risk, experimental trials have shown conflicting results. Furthermore, recent prospective research has demonstrated a significant increase in disease risk with a high meal frequency (≥=6 meals/day) as compared to a low meal frequency (1–2 meals/day).”18

Recent medical practitioners today understand the value of intermittent fasting. “Autophagy is a fundamental process working at the cellular level to remove waste, repair damage, restore and rejuvenate your cells. After sixteen hours of fasting, the body will begin to attack the bad cells. The body will always eat the bad cells and tissues for energy. As a result, your body has a chance to clear cellular debris and abnormal cells, like cancerous cells).”19

“Eating only breakfast and lunch reduced body weight, fatty deposits in the liver, fasting glucose, and increased insulin sensitivity. These results suggest that, for blood sugar health concerns, eating larger breakfasts and lunches may be more beneficial than 6 smaller meals throughout the day.”20

4. Avoid overeating

“What influence does overeating have upon the stomach? It becomes debilitated, the digestive organs are weakened, and disease, with all its train of evils, is brought on as the result.”21

According to the Mayo Clinic, excess carbohydrates or calories will be transformed into triglycerides, thus causing high blood pressure and contributing to a hardening of the arteries and inflammation of the pancreas.

Constant overeating is a great evil that strengthens the lower nature and dulls the conscience. To be able to overcome this tendency is to “put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite” (Proverbs 23:2). Only by a firm decision to be temperate with the aid of the Holy Spirit can we do this.

5. Temperance in all things

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

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

“I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

“Temperance in all things of this life is to be taught and practiced. Temperance in eating, drinking, sleeping, and dressing is one of the grand principles of the religious life.”22

We should drink enough water every day. A lack of water destroys the kidneys and impairs bodily functions. Not the artificially-colored, carbonated, sugar-filled water and alcohol! The wisest king in history explained, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).

We must also dress for the honor and glory of God. We are the people who profess to walk with God every day. If we want to walk more closely to Jesus, we need to cover ourselves properly. Seraphim and cherubim cover themselves in the presence of God. Our standard for clothing is found in Deuteronomy 22:5. What about sleeping? The best time to sleep should be between 10pm and 6am. What is the danger of sleep deprivation?

“New research from Iowa State University reveals that people who lose just a few hours of sleep at night are angrier and less capable of adapting to frustrating situations than people who get adequate rest.”23

When we have problems in the church or in our family, we are most likely to blame other people or perhaps our partners, but the root cause often lies in our intemperance. Because of this, we have a tendency to criticize, to gossip and worst of all, to harbor unforgiving spirits. As we walk in the newness of our lives, let us concentrate on self-control. Let us not blame others, but let us rather begin to examine ourselves where we fail in moderation. Perhaps we do not eat properly. Our stomach is full and yet the cells are hungry. Why? because we are not eating a balanced diet. Remember, a hungry man is an angry man. Try to drink plenty of water and sleep well to have good emotional balance.

6. Temperance and the Latter Rain

“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.”24

God’s people are to learn the meaning of temperance in all things. . . . Before they can really understand the meaning of true sanctification and of conformity to the will of Christ, they must, by cooperating with God, obtain the mastery over wrong habits and practices.”25

“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.”26

We now understand that in order to receive the latter rain, we must experience the sanctification that God requires. To achieve this sanctification, we must overcome all sinful eating habits and all sinful lifestyles.

As sinful human beings, we cannot achieve this by our own efforts. “It is a most difficult matter to unlearn the habits which have been indulged through life and have educated the appetite. The demon of intemperance is not easily conquered. It is of giant strength and hard to overcome.”27

The only option is to respond to the invitation of Jesus,”Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

We should do our part and let Jesus work in us completely. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12, 13).

Yes, self-indulgence is hard, but easy to overcome—hard if we do it alone, but easy if Jesus helps us. Do you really want to be a conqueror? Do you believe Jesus can help you? We have existed as a church on this planet earth for about 100 years. We are tired and every one of us wants to go home, right? So we must cooperate with God in all His teachings—through the strength He is willing to provide us—and be praying earnestly that Jesus will come soon in the clouds of heaven to take us home.