The word temperance in our theme scripture comes from a Greek word egkrateia which means self-control. This is another key trait every child of God must exhibit to be highly productive and profitable for the kingdom of God. Self-control entails the ability to exercise restraint on your feelings, emotions and impulses. It is a discipline that you must have as a child of God. Sometimes great destinies have been jeopardized due to lack of self-control. The lack of it hugely compromises your productivity. Proverbs 25:28 (AMP) gives a an imagery of one who lacks self-control saying, "Like a city that is broken down and without walls, leaving it unprotected, is a man who has no self-control over his spirit and sets himself up for trouble". This means you become open to attacks when you lack this quality. You may have good efforts that may lead to good progress, but all such efforts may be thwarted due to lack of self-control. Genesis 49:3-4 (BSB) says, "uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel because you went up to your father's bed on tumult couch and defiled it". These were words of Jacob to his first born child Reuben. Reuben did not exercise restraint in his fleshly desires in that he had sexual relations with his father's concubine Bilha. Due to this indecent behavior he could not excel in the blessing of the first born. His father was not cursing him but was telling him the pathetic life story of those who lack self-control.

Self-control is one of those features embedded in your new nature as a child of God (Galatians 5:23). All you have to do is recognize it and let it blossom inside of you as you yield to God's word and submit to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. God wants you to become a master of your flesh and its passions. Self-control is not a weakness. It's a strength and a defense. You can exercise this quality from inside you every time and under all circumstances. Remember, the Lord is the strength of your life.