We had our Ward Conference a couple of weeks ago and we were invited to set some personal goals in order to draw closer to the Savior. I have a goal to develop Christlike qualities. I found a list of them in Doctrine and Covenants sections 4 and 25. (similar to the list in Preach My Gospel) I am going to take one quality at a time and study that quality, pray for it each day, and do things to acquire the quality or strengthen it. I may write occasionally about the quality I am working on. This week I am focusing on TEMPERANCE.
Temperance: moderation or self-restraint
Moderation: the avoidance of excess or extremes
I noticed in Proverbs 23:21 and Proverbs 23:20 that gluttony is noted in a negative way.
In Matthew 23:25 the scribes and Pharisees are reprimanded for being full of extortion and excess within.
Acts 9:25: Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
In Galatians 5:23, temperance is listed as a fruit of the Spirit along with love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, etc.
In Titus 1:2, a Bishop is admonished to be sober, just, holy, and temperate. In Titus 2:2, the aged men are also asked to be temperate.
In 1 Peter 4, excess is tied in with lasciviousness, lusts, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries.
In 2 Peter: Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience.
In Alma 7:23 we are told to be temperate in all things.
Alma 38:10 11: I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things. See that ye are not lifted up unto pride.
Doctrine & Covenants 6:19: Be patient; be sober; be temperate.
Doctrine & Covenants 59:20: And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.
OK, what does this mean to me? How am I to improve? This virtue seems to go along with gratitude and being happy for what I have. Temperance can be the opposite of greed and excess. I do not need more of many things--I have enough. I will concentrate on thanking the Lord for what I have and not asking for more. I will work on being content and finding joy in the many blessings of life. I will be temperate in my diet and in my purchases.
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