In Genesis 2:16 & 17 we learn about our third principle of WELLNESS, Living Temperately. We read, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’”

Temperance is simply avoiding that which is harmful and using wisely that which is good. It involves making definite decisions about what you will or will not put into your body, at what times, and in what amounts.

Temperance includes avoiding those things that are harmful to you. Such things include tobacco, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, marijuana, and other street and narcotic drugs. These things should absolutely be avoided as harmful to the health of your body, mind, and soul. If you find that you have trouble stopping the use of one or more of these substances, check out the information on our website, or contact us through the website for more help.

Temperance also involves the wise use of those things that are good. The body needs nutritious food and work or exercise to remain healthy, but if you eat so much at a meal that you are stuffed, if you overwork or over-exercise, you actually harm your system. If you snack throughout the day or eat at irregular times, you harm the delicate operation of the digestive organs. That which is healthful and necessary for your body becomes harmful if used in too large or too small quantities or at irregular intervals.

Temperance also involves how you spend your money and your time. It involves the influence you exert through your actions and words. It involves what you allow into your mind through the things that you watch, listen to, or think about.

Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, what-ever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Temperance means that you guard the avenue of your mind and soul from all pollution by avoiding those things that are not true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous or praiseworthy. What are you watching? What are you reading? What are you listening to? What are you eating? What are you using?

Temperance can be yours, but you need a surrendered and dependent relationship with God in order for it to be possible. Won’t you come to Him and trust in His power to transform you?

God bless you abundantly as you learn to live God’s WELLNESS way.