While the word "temperance" sometimes conveys the thought of moderation and abstinence from
drinking alcoholic beverages, the Scriptural thought goes far beyond this. The word in the Greek
literally means "self-control" and covers all aspects of our daily lives. The apostle Paul uses this
word in 1 Cor. 7:8,9:"I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they
abide even as I. But if they cannot contain [or do not have self-control], let them marry; for it is
better to marry than to burn." In the same epistle the word is used also in the context of training
for an athletic contest:"Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate [or controls himself]
in all things" (1 Cor. 9:25). The lack of self-control is a characteristic of the last days:"Men shall
be … without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent [or without self-
control], fierce, despisers of those that are good" (2 Tim. 3:1-3).

To have self-control means that we are not slaves to any habit_whether it be drugs, alcohol,
tobacco, excessive eating, or whatever. The person who is not temperate has cravings for certain
natural pleasures; and he either continually yields to these cravings, or else, if deprived of the
pleasures, becomes edgy or grouchy. While we might tend to think particularly of alcohol,
tobacco, and other naturally addicting substances in this regard, there are other things, not
physiologically addicting, for which people, including Christians who are not controlled by the
Holy Spirit, may develop cravings. These may include such things as chocolates or other sweets,
coffee, watching television, listening to the ball game, playing games, reading unprofitable books,
or simply desiring relaxation.

Many of us may have problems with regard to pushing ourselves away from the table on which
is often spread enough food for twice the number of people present. Do I desire to use my body
for the Lord, realizing it is the temple of the Holy Spirit? Then I should not want to do anything
to my body which will tend to degrade my health or to reduce my mental alertness. Perhaps a
common example of lack of self-control is found in our partaking of the traditionally large Sunday
noon dinner, and then_because we have eaten more than is prudent_spending the afternoon
sleeping it off. Thus, precious hours which could have been used in service for the Lord,
discussion of the Scriptures, or prayer and meditation are lost forever.

Do we know what it is to be on the heavenly race course? (Phil. 3:10-14; Heb. 12:1,2). This is
the course in which we lay hold of heavenly blessings and possessions, and gain more intimate
knowledge of Christ Himself. We will come to know very little of these things apart from self-
discipline and self-control_the ability to say an emphatic "NO" to the natural desires of the flesh.

Perhaps the largest problem with respect to self-control in the Christian’s life has to do not so
much with fleshly appetites but with the control of that "little member"_the tongue. Listen to
what the Scriptures say about it:"In many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word,
the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the
horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships,
which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a
very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and
boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire,

a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and
setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of
birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind; but
the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:2-8).

Do we have problems with things "popping out" which we later regret_sarcastic words, jesting
or foolishness, arguing, striving about inconsequential matters, backbiting, telling tales about
others, and the like? God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can give us control over this
member as well as over our fleshly appetites. But in order for this to happen, we must recognize
it as sin and must confess, repent, and ask God for strength to say "NO" whenever such thoughts
pop into our heads. If we diligently judge ourselves with regard to each outbreak of this "tongue-
disease," soon it will become a habit to think twice before saying anything. Eventually we should
learn to accompany each conversation with prayer for wisdom and God’s direction in what we
say. We may more quickly learn to do this when speaking to an unsaved soul about the way of
salvation or when seeking to counsel a fellow Christian who is seeking help. But let us, through
diligent, rigorous training, learn to make it a habit to pray with regard to every word we speak in
every situation. This includes the words we speak in our homes_to our wives, husbands, parents,
and children_as much as to anyone. Thus will the fruit of self-control with regard to our tongues
soon become manifest to all, and our words will become a sweet savor to God.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord,
my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).