Do you know what temperance is? How would you define it? No idea? That’s why you need to read this article.
Today we will discuss the fifth heavenly virtue, Temperance. We will discuss its definition and provide tips to become more temperate.
Temperance emanates from the Latin word temperate, which means “restrain.” Temperance is the ability to deny ourselves pleasures.
We must be moderately attracted to food, alcohol, extravagant clothes, and sex. The Saints define temperance as the mind’s disposition to bind its passions.
A temperate person applies moderation in their thoughts, action, and feeling. For example, we can fast and abstain from meat, sex or alcohol through temperance.
Temperance is also self-restraint from anger, gossip, and envy.
An example of a temperate person in the bible is Daniel. Even when he was offered the finest meats and wines in Babylon, he chose to restrain himself. Daniel consumed a vegetarian diet and was considered the best of his peers.
Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying we should all forfeit meat and eat only vegetables. However, it is good to deny ourselves the pleasure of meat, even for a short time. Catholics do it during Lent; other religions also have ways of remaining temperate.
As I said, temperance is not just about food but also about restraining our childish nature of rage. Proverbs admits that self-control is one of the most important traits we should have. “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding”
How do we practice temperance?
We must try to be temperate every day. Like all heavenly virtues, we must ask God for help to be temperate. These are some tips you can try to practice temperance.
- No snacking between meals
- Eat with friends and families
- Savor your food, eat slowly
- Don’t buy takeouts
- Drink less caffeine and energy drinks
- Meditate
- Don’t burst out your emotions
Why is temperance necessary in our lives?
Temperance is a life skill. It applies to how we spend money, quality of relationships, and time management.
Additionally, a lack of temperance causes addiction. We need God to save us from addiction. If we don’t have temperance, our lives can become miserable.
Many of us are addicted to social media. We mindlessly scroll for hours, procrastinating school or work. We need to start practicing temperance to break from social media addiction. The only way to become temperate is through prayer and self-denial.
Why is temperance necessary for leaders?
Before we can lead people, we must lead ourselves.
People should see us as role models because of how we interact, manage our finances and invest in our time.
Temperance is self-control, a voluntary effort to deny yourselves from wants. We need to pray to God for the ability to be temperate. Only God can bless us with temperance.
Did you like this post? What did you learn? Let us know in the comment section below.
MABS 