Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: I’m doing an internship in a recovery program as an addiction therapist. I came from an abusive home myself because of alcoholic parents and have a special tenderness for those who are caught in this horrible trap. I’ve specialized in teaching the importance of temperance. At first I thought it was a rather archaic word, meaning “moderation,” but was surprised to learn it means “prohibition.” I’m now learning that this can be applied to many human vices. Does the Bible speak of this; if so, how does it apply? – T.P.

 

Dear T.P.: The Bible says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25, KJV).

Past history and current public examples illustrate how the excesses of uncontrolled behavior can be deadly. When we think of temperance, we usually think of alcohol. This is not unexpected because of the great efforts of temperance leaders who for years sought to eradicate this poison that affects many people around the world. The Bible condemns gluttony as drunkenness, but we tend to overlook unkindness, gossip, pride, jealousy and many other behaviors where it’s possible to be intemperate as well.

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5, NIV).

Temperance in regard to temper is self-control. Temperance in matters of dress is appropriate modesty. Temperance in defeat is hopefulness. Temperance in relation to sinful pleasure is nothing short of complete abstinence. The Apostle Peter writes of virtues and says, “Add to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience (2 Peter 1:6, KJV).

————

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)