Temperance is defined as moderation or voluntary self-restraint.[1] It is typically described in terms of what an individual voluntarily refrains from doing.[2] This includes restraint from retaliation in the form of non-violence and forgiveness, restraint from arrogance in the form of humility and modesty, restraint from excesses such as extravagant luxury or splurging now in the form of prudence, and restraint from excessive anger or craving for something in the form of calmness and self-control. I type this blog post today because I am crystal clear on my lesson in temperance for this current season and the seasons to come, and I fully embrace the challenge across all areas of my life.

Its interesting to think of how we can discipline ourselves in one area, but not use those same principles OR do not recognize the value of using these principles across the board in other areas of our lives. This year I decided that I needed to lose weight. I declared and decided that no matter what, I would see my goal. I am happy to say that although I came 5 lbs less than my goal (25 lbs out of 30 isn’t THAT bad right?!)…it confirmed for me that no matter what excuses I allowed myself to believe, I could set an intention for my life and have the discipline and self-control to see it through. Now, to be able to apply the same principle with money….**Deep sigh**….

I’ve also talked a lot in my recent videos (on my Rhealism YouTube channel…check it out!) about the power of the tongue, and how I have been able to see ways in which I needed to develop more temperance in my speech and in my reactions to things. Being a very communicative person, it is easy to find joy (and a bit of pride) in being able to muster up a quick, fast, fiery, and sometimes even witty response to a situation. Wisdom would say that every action, statement, or situation does NOT deserve a reaction. Period. Learning this and walking in this have been both interesting and difficult to discern. Now that my “A-ha moment” has come, my challenge will be to put into practice this restraint that will hopefully enrich my life and relationships much more. Are you willing to do the same with me???

Here’s what I can commit to and ask you to join me….

Ask God which areas of your life you may need to exercise more temperance in? Are you willing to sacrifice for the betterment of yourself? Are you willing to search whether your desires align with God’s greater plan for your life in this season? Are you able to humble yourself and receive that you may have a little growing to do in any given area (by intentionally pulling back)? All reactions are not good reactions, all spending is not good spending, all eating is not good eating….to do something “just because you want to or feel like that’s what you need to do” is not always conducive for the overall plan for your life. Only God knows that plan, and only God can see inside of us the ways that we may be proud of or see no wrong in, but …those ways may be working against us and the outcomes that we desire to see in our lives.

Hopefully this post will inspire someone in the same way it has for me. I immediately can acknowledge the areas in my life where more temperance is needed (my speech, my reactions, my spending, my food & drink consumption). I look forward to more: VOLUNTARY SELF-RESTRAINT, PRUDENCE, FORGIVENESS, HUMILITY, MODESTY, CALMNESS, and SELF-CONTROL…..this has been another “Rheal Talk” moment from yours truly, thank you for sharing this life-changing A-ha moment with me. Let’s grow guys!