Learning How to Be Temperate

As we’re seeing in this Titus 2 word study, God is instructing us how to behave. Not only are we to abstain from intoxicating substances and live honorable lives, we are to be temperate as well. Temperance is one of the specific God-given responsibilities assigned to aged men and women to live before younger men and women. Like me, you may be thinking, “How does this characteristic apply to life today?” Let’s look at what it means from the Biblical standpoint.

Being temperate, as seen in Titus 2, has the following Greek definition: 

Temperate – Greek # 4998 – sophron

from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):–discreet, sober, temperate.
(The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, 1996)

To display a temperate characteristic, we are to be:

• safe (sound) in mind
• self-controlled
• moderate as to opinion or passion

Until I delved into this study, I hadn’t given much thought to living a temperate life. This had me wondering how to live it out. It appears that we have to choose to implement these distinct behaviors and that it requires our due diligence and faithful attention.

Securing a Sound Mind

In the current season we’re living in, securing a safe and sound mind seems to be getting more difficult. People everywhere are experiencing tough and trying times, while struggling to survive spiritually, physically, financially, emotionally, and mentally in a world that often makes no sense. Many feel insecure, scared and confused about the situations they are facing and decisions they must make.

How can a younger person stand strong under the pressures of life when they see their elders crumbling in insecurity and wavering faith? That’s why aged Christians are instructed to live in ways that show younger people how to trust God, so they can feel safe and strong in their minds to face their challenges.

Maintaining Self-Control

The Merriam-Webster 2022 Online Dictionary defines self-control as: “restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires.” (OUCH! That one got me.) “Restraint” is not a word we hear or use a lot today. Our society is more apt to stress:

• doing what you want
• doing it when you’re ready
• getting whatever you desire
• spending all you make
• going as fast as you can
• eating all you want
• taking in everything you see

You and I know this is not a self-controlled mindset or a maintainable lifestyle. It’s exhausting, unattainable and provides faux fulfillment. Temperance sets a manageable pace, on a God-honoring path, with long-lasting contentment.

Keeping Opinions & Passions Moderate                                                            

A quick scan of the web clearly shows a shortage in moderation of opinions and passions. One day, I saw an ad for “50 Steps to Minimalism.” Doesn’t that sound overwhelming? As I laughed, I thought, “Good grief! I can barely get through my three-step things-to-do list each day!”

Sometimes, we carry things a little too far. Honestly, we don’t just need to scale back and downsize, we need to learn to do without. Unfortunately, it usually takes a storm, health struggles, setbacks, job losses and recessions to remind us what’s truly important.

Being temperate is the way God gave us to keep our minds sound, maintain our self-control, handle our excessiveness, and regulate our responses. This instruction isn’t only for our good. It’s for the well-being of the next generation.

Bring It Home

Do you struggle with being temperate?

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC