1st Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 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. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 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.
This passage of scripture calls upon us to exercise restraint in all areas of our lives, for the principle of being temperate covers the entire spectrum of our experiences. We are to be temperate not only in eating and in drinking, but also, in working and sleeping, in exercising, and in our sexual activities, because if intemperance is practiced for any reason in one area, it will eventually overspread our entire experience as a common denominator, running riot and working our ruin. Even in good areas such as the study of books, for religious or for secular advancement, the principle of temperance is also to be implemented, since too much of a good thing is just as bad as a little bit of a bad thing. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
As a general rule of thumb we often go into overdrive mode during the holiday season, by eating and drinking excessively, with the hope that come New year's day, we will work off the pounds. But these pledges have been made for many years without fulfillment, and as a result there have been an excessive accumulation of unwanted weight which becomes more difficult to get rid of as we grow older. It's worthy of note that for some unknown reason, "Santa Claws" is always represented as being obese, and we have to wonder when a fit and healthy Santa will emerge from the Norse country.
God is very practical in His instructions to us, and the mandate on temperance is no different, for it directly affects our spiritual growth and development, in ways that few of us ever realize. Let us therefore determine in our hearts by the grace of God, that this holiday season will be a day of new beginnings, for it is the will of God that we enjoy the best of health for as long as possible, while waiting eagerly for His return. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to acknowledge God in all our ways, so that we can truly ask His blessing on all of our activities. Let's read:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!