Galatians 5:22,23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is … temperance”
The word “temperance” appears four times in the New Testament. The Greek word is always translated this way in the N.T.
All through the Bible, the idea of temperance is taught. The word means self-control, restraint, moderation, to keep within bounds. The “bounds” that we need to stay within are those set by God.
Some people wrongly believe that God sets bounds to prevent us from having fun. The truth is exactly the opposite – the bounds are there to protect us from harm.
God desires that His children be different from the world and to stay away from their godless habits and practices. In order to help us want to please Him, He gives us many things the world wants – but can never have. He gives us joy, the satisfaction of knowing Him and assurance of where we will spend eternity, He promises to meet our needs, He will guide us, and so much more.
When those who are saved seek those things that are outside of the will of God, our relationship with Him is hurt. Eve thought she knew a better way – and ended up bringing a curse on the earth and every human born into it.
Right now, we are seeing the fruits of the labors of Olympian contestants who have been honing their skills for many years. Those who were temperate and paid the price of many hours of practice for hours on end are winning.
The apostle Paul alludes to this illustration and tells us that we also will be rewarded if we remain temperate and do things God’s way. In I Corinthians 9:25-27, he said: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
These verses tell us that it will be worth it all one day! Don’t quit now! You will be glad when you have fought a good fight and finished your course and Our Lord tells you: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”