TEMPERANCE - Dag Heward-Mills

READ: 

2 Peter 1:2-11
Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
Ecclesiastes 10:17

Temperance is the trait of avoiding excesses and living in moderation.

Temperance is a personal trait that makes people accept and enjoy privileges at the right time. A person with the positive trait of temperance will not use his privileges at the least opportunity but will wait until the most appropriate season. This cannot be said of primitive leaders who scramble for privileges from the very first day they enter office.

Temperance is a personal trait that makes people accept privileges only because it makes them stronger. Temperance is a personal trait that makes a leader not misuse his great authority and power. When a leader misuses his great authority and power he becomes an oppressor and a murderer. Leadership often comes with great authority and the world is full of examples of people who have misused their great authority and privileges.

Temperance is the positive trait that prevents a leader from becoming oppressive.

“The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor…” (Proverbs 28:16).

Temperance is a personal trait that causes a leader to be moderate in acquiring personal wealth.

“...he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days” (Proverbs 28:16).