Our Scripture reading today is Proverbs 23:1-3.
Verse 2, "And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite."
A character trait we are taught in these verses is self-control. It can and should be applied to our consumption of food, but it can also be applied to any area of life where temperance is needed. Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:6 that we are to add several things to our faith, "And to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness."
Temperance is one of the 9-fold fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:23, "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." It is otherwise known as self-control. In thinking it through this morning, I think a better way to describe temperance is Spirit-controlled. We obviously cannot control ourselves without the help the Holy Spirit. Many times it is our decision what we put before us whether it be the table, the TV or any other media device. Take some time today to see where you might not be allowing the Spirit to help you with temperance. Yield those areas over to Him each and every day and follow His leading to victory!