This was a very interesting talk about being "temperate." That is a word I have seen used before in various forms, but have not really thought about its meaning. I mostly associate it with the temperance movement (anti-drinking) of the 19th- and 20th-century. Elder Watson gives some very good insights and definitions:
What is temperance, and why would the Lord want us to be temperate? A narrow definition might be "exercise restraint when it comes to food and drink."
Sometimes temperance might be defined as "refraining from anger or not losing one's temper."
In a spiritual sense, temperance is a divine attribute of Jesus Christ.
Learning to be temperate in all things is a spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost.
Being temperate is to use moderation in all things or to exercise self-control.
Being temperate means to carefully examine our expectations and desires, to be diligent and patient in seeking righteous goals.
Elder Watson related an experience where a stray tire on the freeway smashed into his car windshield. The windshield shattered but he was not injured because the windshield was made of tempered glass.
Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily burst into jagged shards that can injure.
Likewise, a temperate soul-one who is humble and full of love-is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today's world.
Security for our families comes from learning self-control, avoiding the excesses of this world, and being temperate in all things. Peace of mind comes from strengthened faith in Jesus Christ. Happiness comes from being diligent in keeping covenants made at baptism and in the holy temples of the Lord.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This talk really touched me. I can tell times when I am being temperate & how that has a more positive effect on those around me and on my own attitude. I recently put a little note on my computer at work 'temperance' to reminde me at work to remain calm and in control amid the occasional chaos.
ReplyDelete"Security for our families come from learning self-control, avoiding the excesses of this world & being temperate in all things." I know this is true! I have seen it in my life. I am not worried about the future because we have 'prepared for tomorrow by working today.'
ReplyDelete"Peace of mind comes from strengthened faith in Jesus Christ." When trials come, our faith & reliance on God will help us through.
"Happiness comes from being diligent in keeping covenants made at baptism & in the holy temples of the Lord." When we keep our covenants we have so many good consequences. If we don't keep our covenants we will have guilt & misery until we repent.