“The fruit of
the Spirit is … temperance” (Gal. 5:22,23).
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 who strives 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]” (2 Tim. 3:1-3).
To have
self-control means that we are not slaves to any habit. The person who is not
temperate has cravings for certain natural pleasures, and he either continually
yields to these cravings, or else becomes edgy or grouchy if deprived of the
pleasures. 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, food in general, watching
television, watching the ball game, playing games, reading unprofitable books,
sleeping in, 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 (1 Cor.
6:19)? Then I should not want to do anything to my body that 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.
The Roman
philosopher Seneca, whose life span overlapped that of the Lord Jesus, once
said, “I am born to greater things than to be the servant of my body.” If a
heathen can recognize the foolishness of indulging the flesh, how much more
should a child of God be diligent not to be in bondage to the desires of the
flesh.
Listen to what
the Scriptures say about overeating:
“Put a knife to
your throat if you are a man given to appetite” (Prov. 23:2).
“The drunkard
and the glutton shall come to poverty” (Prov. 23:21).
“I will say to
my soul, Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat,
drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, You fool, this night your soul
shall be required of you” (Luke 12:19,20).
Another has
said, “We can certainly enjoy food, relishing in the wholesome aroma and taste
of a succulent meal; but when food begins to be our master we have stepped from
the realm of godly enjoyment to bitter bondage and sin.”
The Lord Jesus
counseled, “If your right hand offend you, cut it off” (Matt. 5:30). A less
extreme application of this verse could be applied by one who has a problem
with overeating. Try removing all unnecessary foods from your house for a
period of time. Discipline your body as the apostle Paul did and “bring it into
subjection” (1 Cor. 9:27).
For what do we
hunger and thirst? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after
righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). “As newborn babes, desire
the since milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, if so be you have tasted
that the Lord is gracious” (1 Pet. 2:2,3).
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.