Temperance
Samuel Smith
23 Jan'19
5
TEMPERANCE
"In order to preserve health, temperance in all things is necessary, - temperance in labor, temperance in eating and drinking" {CD 23.1}. True temperance admonishes us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful. This implies a way of life as opposed to a checklist of certain substances and behaviors, suggesting that in excess even good things may be harmful!Temperance covers virtually every aspect of human life, relating to moderation in necessary functions such as eating, our interactions with others, and in abstinence in areas like smoking, alcohol, drug use and many others. It doesn't take a genius to know that food is required for life, yet many people go way beyond the need for nutrients and a satisfied appetite. "A healthy experience demands growth, and growth demands that careful attention be paid to the laws of nature, that the organs of the body may be kept in a sound state, untrammeled in their action" {Te 11.6}.
Whatever the vice, whether using drugs, anger, or overeating, people do not exercise self-restraint for many reasons. Reasons may include the desire to escape reality by having a few moments of perceived pleasure that they believe will help them relax, reduce depression and stress. Others engage in self-destructive behaviours to forget about physical or emotional traumas, and numb feelings of guilt, shame, or loneliness. These are false hopes, for intemperance not only is a pseudo-solution but in turn causes its own often catastrophic effects. Only in God is there found true escape from the stresses and nightmares of life. For the Bible tells us in
"The brain nerves which communicate with the entire system are the only medium through which Heaven can communicate to man and affect his inmost life. Whatever disturbs the circulation of the electric currents in the nervous system lessens the strength of the vital powers, and the result is a deadening of the sensibilities of the mind" (Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 347). Satan is constantly on the alert to bring the race fully under his control. His strongest hold on man is through the appetite, and this he seeks to stimulate in every possible way" {Te 13.2}.
Many regard certain destructive habits and lifestyle choices such as tobacco and alcohol intake as desirable and even beneficial since they are legalized and are freely available with very few restrictions. As a result, they’ve become entwined in cultures and societies worldwide despite the fact that they are among the leading causes of preventable death. The seduction of advertising as well as the stranglehold of commerce have much to do with this tragic situation, but in reality our personal choices play an important role.
We can benefit from taking personal stock of our own lives and assets to find out as to whether we are excessive in eating, working, playing or sleeping. This will help us assess ourselves to know whether we are being temperate or not. We may even abuse social media or the availability of the Internet with its seductive and misleading pornographic menus. These Internet and other modern forms of technology are good in themselves but potentially addictive when not used judiciously.
One area we need to make wise choices is with information. We must pay critical attention on what we read. Even the strongest willed among us is unable to achieve true balance in all things without a strong reliance on the power of our gracious and Almighty God, who not only made us but is able to sustain us and strengthen our will and ability to make wise choices. Remember Paul’s counsel in Scripture: "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (
Realizing that this is a very tall order, Paul adds the secret of power and success: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (
