Christians to Be Strictly Temperate, Governed by Principle, October 16

The apostle Paul writes: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the
prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not
as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air; but I keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway”
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
There are many in the world who indulge pernicious habits. Appetite is the law that governs them;
and because of their wrong habits, the moral sense is clouded and the power to discern sacred things
is to a great extent destroyed. But it is necessary for Christians to be strictly temperate. They should
place their standard high. Temperance in eating, drinking, and dressing is essential. Principle should
rule instead of appetite or fancy. Those who eat too much, or whose food is of an objectionable
quality, are easily led into dissipation, and into other “foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in
destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:9). The “labourers together with God” should use every jot
of their influence to encourage the spread of true temperance principles.
It means much to be true to God. He has claims upon all who are engaged in His service. He desires
that mind and body be preserved in the best condition of health, every power and endowment under
the divine control, and as vigorous as careful, strictly temperate habits can make them. We are under
obligation to God to make an unreserved consecration of ourselves to Him, body and soul, with all
the faculties appreciated as His entrusted gifts, to be employed in His service.