Have you ever enjoyed something so much it is difficult to stop? For my two dogs, that thing of enjoyment is food. There is nothing they wouldn’t do to get to food. It doesn’t matter if they have just eaten an entire bowl of food, they will always want more. The other night it took them a mere 30 seconds after leaving the dining room to consume the entire container of garlic bread left on the table. Even though garlic can lead to intense vomiting and rug shopping (ask someone from the Honduras missions trip), the only thought that the dogs had was…FOOD!
When it comes to our Christian life, one of the most crucial things to learn is temperance or self-control. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23) and a hallmark of those who are spiritually mature. Reading through the list that Paul notes should be present in those who are members of Christ church in Titus 2, being sober or filled with self-control is highlighted for every group he mentions. Why is this such a crucial attitude for the believer? Because you and I have a sin nature.
Culture often promotes the idea that deep down we are inherently good. That the emotions and feelings we have are to be trusted, and to a greater degree, will be what brings us true happiness when we followed them completely. Scripture reminds us that our flesh only seeks that which is against God, and it affects every part of who we are. It is the reality that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” that emphasizes the need for temperance.
Temperance means that I am not a slave to base desires. The urges of the flesh, and the temptations of our lust are not what control us. We are controlled by the Spirit. Temperance is the heart attitude that binds our obedience not to what the flesh desires but what God’s Word instructs us to do. As one author wrote, “Temperance is simply a disposition of the mind which binds the passion.” So, what does this mean for me as a follower of Christ?
As strong as the urge to follow my flesh and the temptations of life is, I must seek to walk in the Spirit and allow him to help me control my desires. The follower of Christ that lives only to indulge their own fleshly desires and makes no efforts to seek the Spirit’s divine work in fighting those temptations, is claiming that their life does not support. The follower of Christ is not one who’s life is marked by intemperance but by the Spirit.
My dogs did not know the awful time they were in for after eating that garlic bread, but you and I do know what the result of indulging our flesh is — destruction. What desires of your life have you been feeding that show a lack of self-control? What areas of your life can you take active steps to allow the Spirit to work in and develop a temperate heart?
Sincerely,
Derek Whitman