"Temperance"

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In this study on the not too popular word, “Temperance”, one of the Scriptures that really popped out at me is from, Song of Solomon 2:15 –“catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vine...”

I’ve heard it said that the reason self-control is last in the list of the fruits of the Spirit is that it’s the most difficult one to conquer.  It may be, but it is a discipline we must learn to practice, and necessary in our pursuit of God, and His holiness.  

Balance is an area where I can still struggle at times.  It's a process.  Even today, boy oh boy, did I feel my flesh and spirit battling; my flesh trying to pull me back into old behaviors.  It's as if I was screaming out, "But I want it, I want it!"  

But I want the Lord's will more and delight to follow His commands.  So I make the choice to press into Him and cry out for His help.  And you know what?  He makes the way of escape.  He delivers.  He helps me to make the best choices.  He is faithful!  And so, I have to be mindful of my weaknesses, recognize them, and with the Lord’s help, resist them, deny them ground, and overcome! 

It’s not always some big, gross sin that we may fall in to, but the little things that at first we may not even notice.  Remember, our enemy is subtle and slick, even as he was with Adam and Eve in the garden.  He attempts to twist and pervert even good things so that we run the risk of making them idols as pride rears its ugly head. 

Just being real here - at times, just as in the Garden of Eden, I’ve gotten myself caught up and enticed looking at the pretty and shiny gifts of another, tempting me to throw off restraint and better judgement as I desire what I see or what someone else has.   

But the Father instructs us not to covet.  He says, to deny ourselves, to find out what the will of the Lord is and to follow after Him.    

There are times, when in my excitement I’ve ventured out into a new endeavor (usually artsy/crafty things), purchasing things I may not need, cannot afford, and may never use.  Note to self:  AVOID the temptation, whatever it is, and whenever possible.  

Other times I may find myself spending too much time on one thing when I should be doing another; yes, even on the good, God things the Lord has called me to.  Sometimes I drink too much coffee, make the wrong food choices, or eat a bigger portion than I should.  But our bodies are the temple of the Lord.  Anyway, you get the idea about some of  the “small” stuff.

The Lord calls for temperance, moderation, and self-control.  He calls us to be well-disciplined, self-sacrificing, frugal, and to exercise restraint in our appetites.  This applies to every area of our life.  As we are faithful in the little things He trusts us with more.

Our fulfillment is not found in another, or in things.  The Lord and only the Lord is our true source of fulfillment and the only One who can satisfy our souls.  He is a good Father who loves us and knows what’s best for us. 

Our enemy would have us question God and reason within ourselves so that we make excuses and disobey, hoping to cause us to stumble and sin.  But we are to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee!  God makes a way of escape from every temptation.  

Satan will also attack us when we are most vulnerable – when we’re hungry, alone, angry, tired, sick, sad, bored, etc.  Remember how Satan tempted Jesus, when for 40 days he fasted and prayed in the desert.  Satan thought he’d take Jesus down while He was weak.  

But also notice when the enemy first came to Jesus.  It was immediately after Jesus had been filled with the Holy Spirit.  Satan entered at precisely the place of anointing attempting to distort and corrupt that which God had given to hinder His plans.   

So, guard what God has given. Keep these things safe because Satan wants to render us ineffective or take us out before we ever get started.

Like Jesus, may our eyes be focused on the Father, our food, the Word, our glory, in God.  Note, that as Jesus withstood the devil and relied upon the Truth, the devil was forced to depart.  Jesus came out of that desert place in the power of the Holy Spirit, prepared to begin His ministry.  

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, resting your hope fully upon God's grace in Christ Jesus, to live a life shaped by Him.

Each of us may have different struggles, but as we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

I enter into 2016 with a desire to draw nearer to the Lord, to know Him more intimately, and to consistently walk in holiness.  I’m praying this to be a year of walking more in step with my Father in Heaven - even in the “little” things.  Because, to whom much is given, much is required.   

I pray to see more clearly, from God's perspective, and to continually grow in His wisdom and grace, to be all that He’s called me to be – one whose loving God, accepting of myself and others, a good steward, faithfully and joyfully using the gifts He has given, in service and worship to Him.   

I pray the Lord to help me live a well-balanced life, to keep it simple, to be obedient and content in ALL things- one who is strong and free, bold and blameless, and that the Father can use to the fullest extent of His plan – a life dedicated and fully pleasing to Him.

Scripture Meditation: 
Galatians 5:16-18, 22-25
Romans 7:15-25
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Genesis 3:1-7
Hebrews 12:1-11
Song of Solomon 2:15
1 Peter 1:13-16
James 4:7
1 Corinthians 10:13
Exodus 20:3, 17
Psalm 51:17
Galatians 2:20
Matthew 25:21
Luke 4:1-15
1 Timothy 6:20 
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Titus 2:1-8