Wednesday's Lesson - Temperance in All Things

Read 2 Peter 1:5–9. How should these words be applied to all areas of our life, particularly when it comes to our health habits? How can we take this biblical admonishment and turn it into reality for ourselves?

When I read this passage for the first time it really fascinated me. It shows a ladder of Christian virtues that build one upon the other. The end result of this ladder is a person who is effective. Each rung of the ladder is essential to the Christian character.

All the points of this ladder can apply to our health. For example , when we talk of moral excellence this addresses our life style. A person seeking for moral excellence would not engage the use of controlled substance or elicit behavior.

This passage also talks about self-control. It takes self-control not to consume things which will damage our bodies. It also takes self-control to eat the in moderation. But it is more than about food. We must have self-control and temperance in all areas of our lives.

In order to make this a reality we must become fully aware of the areas where we need help. Rather than denying our character defects or explaining them away,we must look them squarely in the face and take them to Jesus. We have a helper in Jesus Christ but only if we are willing to accept His help.

Look at all areas of your life. How temperate are you? In what areas do you need to change? Might you even now be suffering some negative effects from wrong practices? Why not seek some help in making needed changes?

Prayer: Father please help us to find the divine balance which exists in you. We can not do this on our own. Thank you in Jesus name amen.