Better to be patient than powerful, better to have self -control than to conquer a city. Proverbs 16:32
This verse was said by King Solomon, who was well known for his wisdom. Temperance or self-control is a great virtue, it is needed across all spheres and in everyone's life. Self-control has greater impact on mental health, leadership, decision making, and most importantly it is the key to achieve one's goals, while avoiding distractions and temptations in pursue of our aims.
It is observed that people with self control spend their time more effectively, take thoughtful decisions and are much productive with their work. To accomplish something in our life along with dedication and hard work temperance plays a crucial role.
Take for example, an athlete or any sports person they tend to follow strict diet plan to keep them healthy, similar goes for people of any other profession, and academics. Temperance or self control may be shown in our sleep, appetite, emotions or behavior, however may it be displayed, it yields lots of positive outcome in the long run.
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to obtain a perishable crown but we an imperishable. 1 Cor 9:25
The above verses reminds us the importance of temperance in a believer's life. It is because our life in this earth is a race, and as written an imperishable crown along with many other rewards are kept for us in glory, so we have to run this race with utmost carefulness. All our trials, sorrows, tears, worries are just temporary since -
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Cor 2:9
Marvellous words indeed!
But most of the times our small problems, temptations toward sins, worldly pleasures, and other desires slowly lead us away from God, our creator and at some point we may even feel our life meaningless and without purpose. Lack of self control and temperance being the root cause of this. But there is always a way back if we are willing to repent of the thing that caused our fall, and turn to Christ confessing our sins and asking His forgiveness.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Jesus Christ is our perfect example, He was temperate, suffered the deep agony and pain of the cross for us, the joy set before Him was you, me and the redemption of whole mankind for which he bled and died on the cross of Calvary. He rose again the third day is coming soon to take those who earnestly wait for His coming. Amazing love was His! Have you accepted Him as your Lord and savior?
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Heb 12:1
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Titus 2:11&12
Let these words encourage us to live faithfully and godly in this present age and be a ray of hope in someone else's life.
Have a joyful week ahead!
