"In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect
not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything."
1 Timothy 3:11
Doing a little reading in 1 Tim the other day and my eyes run across this verse. I start start doing the definition thing, and "temperate" was not in my mental dictionary. So I went to ol faithful (www.dictionary.com-maybe you've heard of it) and discovered a slue of convicting words attached to this seemingly non-threatening word.
TEMPERATE: (adjective)
1. moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion or statement
"Lauren did not offer a temperate response when she decided to air her own opinion as fact."
2. Moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.
"Lauren missed the temperate boat when she repeatedly visited the dessert section at Country Buffet."
3. Not excessive in degree, as things, qualities, etc.
"Black Friday deals may be irresistible, but Lauren practices a temperate spirit by not hoarding all the BOGO items in JC Penneys."
As you can see, I did a little soul-searching with each definition. Temperance is a mark of a godly woman. This is something that can only be cultivated through Jesus-knowing and trusting him.
A temperate spirit will allow love to squelch our arrogance, idolatry, and greed, because our focus is off ourselves and on Jesus.
Ok, your turn, try using "temperate" in a sentence :)
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