JULY 18 Galatians 5:22-23

Temperance looks like a big word. What is it really? Temperance is the self-control and self-discipline you can see in a Christian as a result of the Holy Spirit’s control of him. This aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is placed last not because it is least important. It is placed last as it is the crowning glory of a Christian. It is the ability of the believer to be balanced; to be humble in victory,and strong in defeat. at is when the believer knows his life is in the hands of God, and that as he follows God’s will, there is nothing the Father in heaven will not take care of. That is temperance; that is a complete faith in the gracious God!

How can we see temperance? Perhaps when you do well in school, you will be balanced and not show off your grades to everyone. When you do not do well, you will not be disappointed, but trust in the Lord, and work extra hard for the next round. You are at peace, whether circumstances around you are positive or negative.Temperance is not something that just happens out of the blue. Temperance is a result of the Holy Spirit filling, and is often what a Christian will be after he has the other aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. These are aspects we have studied in the past week. You see, when you have joy, and peace, and long-suffering... you will have temperance.

Temperance is also a sign of a maturing Christian. It does not mean that you, as a child, cannot have temperance. Temperance can be yours when you grow slowly in the faith as a child of God, when you slowly cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. Think of it as growing an actual tree. There is no way one can speed up the growth of the tree even if the best care is given. Likewise, temperance is the result of a long and stable relationship with the Lord.

The opposite of temperance is seen in people who are easily affected by things or events around them. Like waves tossed about in strong winds, these people may swing from elation to extreme sadness, always subject to the situation around them. Dear child, pray for temperance, that the Lord will grant you the inner balance that is there because you trust in God and know your life is in His hands.

Thought: May I be a child with temperance!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for granting the fruit of the Holy Spirit to Your children. I know I fail many times to demonstrate these different aspects of the fruit, but Lord, please help me to always remember to try to have them. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.