In his second letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul declares a godly man should be temperate. This is not a word commonly used in our culture, but it has a very important meaning. On the surface, it defines someone who is sensible in indulging his appetite or one who is not self-indulgent.
This is certainly a paving stone in the path of a godly man, but Paul has something more in mind. He is addressing our need for a clear perspective on life and an accurate spiritual direction. A temperate man protects his physical, mental, emotional and spiritual direction, always assuring he his pointed at Christ. This requires a calmness that doesn’t give in to circumstance but allows the peace of God to rule every moment of our life. It is an alertness to God’s presence and direction.
As men, it is not unusual for us to assume we can handle every situation we face with logic and a strong will. These are characteristics God has given us, but they can be subject to attack by Satan. To get to wrapped up in our own abilities could cause us to put the authority and power of God on a back burner. We may tend to forget the temporariness of this life and get caught up in a false security. This causes a dependency on human progress and take our focus off the importance of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit as our guide.
Paul gives us the pathway to temperance in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
A man of faith believes God and acts on his promises, even though he does not understand completely what lies ahead. By word and example, he encourages others to do the same, especially his family.
A man of hope keeps his eyes on the promise of eternity above all else. This is a matter of perspective. Striving for the benefits of this life which will vanish or be worthless at our death, may cause us to fail to live lives which prepare us for an eternity with Christ.
A man of love understands the foundational truth of God – he is love. We allow others to see God in us when they see love in us. Genuine love is patient, kind, doesn’t envy, is humble, courteous, selfless, even tempered, does not hold grudges. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13)
Where is your dependency placed? Is it in those unstable provisions of this temporal life, or in the eternal promises of God?
NOTE to faithful readers: Due to travel and other responsibilities, I will be re-publishing previous posts for the next few weeks. New posts will return in early October. Thank you.