In this world of sin and temptation, temperance is very much needed if we are to maintain our faithfulness to God.  The devil is doing all he can to devour our souls, separating us from God.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
⁸  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

A part of being watchful is developing temperance or self-control.  The Greek word for temperance is enkrateia and means, “the ability to take a grip of oneself.”  Have you ever heard the saying “get a grip”?  That is a good way to described temperance.  We must have a strong hold on ourselves, especially in times of temptation.

Aristotle mentions three states of life — 1. The state in which reason has been entirely subjugated to passion – that’s unbridled lust.  2.  The state in which reason fights, but passion prevails – that’s incontinence.  3.  The state in which reason fights against passion, and reason prevails – that is temperance.

Paul is a good example of a Christian with temperance.  He had enough of a hold on himself to where he could refrain from doing anything that would bring shame upon him and put his salvation in jeopardy.

1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)
²⁷  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

The word “discipline” in this passage comes from a Greek word that Paul is using metaphorically.  It literally meant to “strike under the eye as to leave a mark.”  He is referring, figuratively, of course, to giving himself a black eye.  I like the way the NIV translates Paul’s words.

1 Corinthians 9:27 (NIV2011)
²⁷  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Paul is describing the severe and rigid discipline that he subjected himself to in order to get the prize at the end of the race.  He subdued any evil or corrupt inclinations that arose, keeping them under his control.  He was temperate.  This allowed him to finish the race even though the terrain got pretty rough at times.

2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)
⁷  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

If you are a Christian, how are you running the race of Christianity?  Are you running with temperance?  We should all determine to have the self-control that is necessary to overcome the various trials, tribulations, and temptations that we know are going to come our way.  Every good Christian has this characteristic.      

As you wind down for the night, think about these things