Christian Temperance

1 Corinthians 9:25 "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."

The apostle Paul is likening the Christian walk to a competitive race, in which the athlete competes for the victor's crown. There are many parallels that can be drawn, like the physical and mental preparations necessary to be successful in the endeavor, whether a physical race or a spiritual walk with God. In this verse Paul points out that the athlete who trains for a race is temperate in all things.
Everybody agrees that it would be foolishness for an athlete in training to stay up late partying, to drink alcohol, to smoke, to eat junk food, to play video games, and watch TV all day. None of these things would benefit him in his training, but only lessen his chances of winning the race. Being aware of all that could potentially hinder him, he comes up with an exercise program and living regiment that is designed with one purpose in mind: to be victorious in the race. Every part of his life comes under scrutiny and anything that does not benefit the athlete has to go. Not only the things that would hurt the training, but also the aspects of his life that have no benefit toward the goal. And for the athlete to go through with the new program of controlled living it takes one thing above all: self-control, or temperance.
Equally, or even more so, the Christian who wants to be successful in his walk with God has to bring every aspect of his life under scrutiny and look at it through the lens of God's perspective. Every part of our lives and personality, our living habits and character traits have to be closely observed and measured by the standard of God's commandments. We know from the self-revelation of God, His Word, what will benefit us and what will hurt us in our race to the finish line. He has given us a standard to live by and He does not tolerate any compromises. He alone knows what is good for us and He will not allow us to change or add to any of His instructions for the Christian life. To live a life that is Christ-like we have to a) study the Word of God, so that we can know His will and commandments, b) measure every area of our lives against the yard stick of His Holy Word, and c) diligently follow through, without compromise, in applying the eternal recipe for a successful Christian life. The latter takes the same kind of self-control an athlete has to display, yet even more than that, for there are not only physical and mental challenges to overcome, but also spiritual ones. Where do we get that kind of self-control? It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit living in us. Galatians 5:23 tells us so. Like the athlete who depends on his coach to keep him on a regimented lifestyle, we, too, have a trainer that will keep us accountable to the new way of living. He is the Holy Spirit. But not only will He hold us accountable and encourage us, He will also empower us to have the kind of self-control that is needed and work God's work in us, so that we can be successful in the race of Christian living. How can we access that power from on high? We need to be willing to let God break us before Him, we need to acknowledge and confess all of the areas in our lives that do not line up with His will, and we need to allow the Holy Spirit to fully indwell us.

Application
I want to be completely broken before God, so that I can walk in His power and enjoy the fruits of His Spirit living in me. Thus today I will spend a half hour before God and take inventory of areas of my life that He has already shown me, where sin had to be dealt with and how I have fared so far.