Following our wonderful teachings of Humility we note that Temperance is a key enabler to achieve Fruits.
Following my last teaching that ended with the Parable of "the Prodigal Son" it is important to note the lack of Wisdom knowledge and understanding of the "Elder Brother" resulted in him exhibiting lack of Self-restraint and he failed to realise the importance of the repentance of his Brother and subsequent return to the Father. And we see that although he remained with the "Father" all the time he didn't know his authority nor his Rights.
EMOTIONS are the language of the Soul and heart, they are the cries that give the heart a voice. The bible tells us in Genesis 4:5-7 that Cain became angry but God warned him "...but if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door;it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.". This is evidence to us that we must have self-control otherwise the devil will take over.
- How one manages emotions and feelings has potential negative or positive outcomes.
- Taking action purely on the basis of raw feelings when making key decisions is what we need to be very careful about. (Imagine the emotions of anger, jealousy or pure joy) all if not controlled can result in embarrassment, guilty behavior and can open the door to sin
- Genesis 4:5-7 (The story of Cain and Abel reminds us of the potential consequences of lack of self-control)
We live in times where we can clearly see a marked impact of emotions
- KIDS & TODDLERS - These exhibit innocence we the Parents manage them with great accommodation because they are innocent
- TEENAGERS: - If the these have not been trained well we see rebellion and entitlement which without guidance leads to getting fully "Spoilt"
- ADULTS - MEN: We see trends of Lack of Feelings and emotional Disconnection and Lack of Action.
- ADULTS - WOMEN : We are seeing trends of Everything including actions are controlled by feelings, feelings, feelings.
Ephesians 4:26-27 Instructs - In your anger do not sin.Don't let the sun go down still angry. Do not give the Devil a foothold.
Thus our response of Temperance or Self-control is God's design which if applied will cause God's authority to stand by you. i.e. you can resist Sin.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything (self-control) in every situation through prayer and ..thanksgiving ... the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Jesus Christ.
- Do not allow your passion of emotion lead you to sin
- Do not let anger control you or be fueled by revenge
- Do not give the "slanderer/ accuser" the opportunity to manipulate you.
Bring all your emotions happiness,sorrow, anger to the Lord in prayer. - Confessing our feelings to God is not a weakness. When we do so we are admitting our need for Him (God).
Temperance and self-control is like the steering wheel of Life. You need to keep your hands on the steering wheel or else you may crash.
Practice Self-control causes us to shape up spiritually. Our emotions should be subjected to our Lord Jesus Christ for Righteous outcomes.
We need Self-Discipline: I Cor 9:23-27 and Heb 12:1-2
We run as in a race and in that race there is one prize. We are running so that we may obtain that prize. But as we run the race we must have self control and we must follow the rules of self-control (2 Tim 2:5 strive lawfully). But as Christians we run with "Certainty" not "uncertainty" We discipline our bodies and bring them to subjection otherwise we could get disqualified. The Crown or prize that we are running for is "Imperishable" (1 Peter 5:4)
When we exercise self-control / Temperance it is like pruning a tree when it is done well it creates way for Healthier more succulent fruit
Gal 5:22-23
TEMPERANCE results = "Fruits of the Spirit" Love peace, joy, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control against such there is no Law.
Living a Godly life is not an easy walk, it is on the contrary a great challenge which we need to prepare for. When practicing Self-control by submitting to Christ we will have fruits that will last in the Light of our Might God.
Practicing Temperance will cause us to bear Fruit.
God bless you,
Pr. Edward Muwanga Barlow.