Add to
Temperance Patience
Let patience have her
perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4
"And to knowledge, temperance."
This is the third step in the path toward perfection of character. On every
side there is indulgence and dissipation, and the result is degeneration and
corruption. The inhabitants of our earth are depreciating in mental, moral, and
physical power, because of the intemperate habits of society. Appetite,
passion, and love of display are carrying the multitudes into the greatest
excesses and extravagance. . . . The people of God must take an opposite course
from the world. They must take up the warfare against these sinful practices,
deny appetite, and keep the lower nature in subjection. . . . It is for us to
"search the Scriptures," and bring our habits into harmony with the
instruction of the Bible. . . .
"And to temperance, patience."
The need of becoming temperate is made manifest as we try to take this step. It
is next to an impossibility for an intemperate person to be patient.
Some of us have a nervous temperament,
and are naturally as quick as a flash to think and to act; but let no one think
that he cannot learn to become patient. Patience is a plant that will make
rapid growth if carefully cultivated. By becoming thoroughly acquainted with
ourselves, and then combining with the grace of God a firm determination on our
part, we may be conquerors, and become perfect in all things, wanting in
nothing.
Patience pours the balm of peace and love
into the experiences of the home life. . . . Patience will seek for unity in
the church, in the family, and in the community. This grace must be woven into
our lives.
From My Life Today - Page 102
