Lent Day 14

In metallurgy, temperance refers to the hardness or elasticity of the metal. Does it break or give when it is under pressure? We often use the word temper to describe outbursts of anger–breaking points. A person who breaks, losing their temper, invites destruction upon themselves. The person who breaks, giving power to the passions of the flesh, also lacks temperance. Lust, gluttony, drunkenness, dishonesty, greed, etc.–these invite destruction. Sexuality, food, drink, speech, wealth, etc. are to be enjoyed when they are tempered, when you are self-controlled, keeping all things under the righteousness of Christ.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we thank you for the good things you have provided us in this world. But we pray that our desire for the things of this world would not rule us but that we would be tempered like steel, able to resist the temptation to overindulge or pervert the things you have created good. Amen.