TEMPERANCE

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
V25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
V26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
V27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:24-27.

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with *surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Luke 21:34.
(* excess especially of food - overfed.)

"In order rightly to understand the subject of temperance, we must consider it from a Bible standpoint; and no where can we find a more comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance and its attendant blessings, than is afforded by the history of the prophet Daniel and his Hebrew associates in the court of Babylon." Counsels on Diet and Food page 28, 29.

God always honours the right. The most promising youth from all the lands subdued by the great conqueror had been gathered at Babylon, yet amid them all, the Hebrew captives were without a rival. The erect form, the firm, elastic step, the fair countenance, the undimmed senses, the untainted breath, - all were so many certificates of good habits, - insignia of the nobility with which nature honours those who are obedient to her laws.

The history of Daniel and his companions has been recorded on the pages of the Inspired Word for the benefit of the youth of all succeeding ages. What men have done, men may do. Did those youthful Hebrews stand firm amid great temptations, and bear a noble testimony in favour of true temperance? The youth of today may bear a similar testimony.

The lesson here presented is one which we would do well to ponder. Our danger is not from scarcity, but from abundance. We are constantly tempted to excess. Those who would preserve their powers unimpaired for the service of God, must observe strict temperance in the use of His bounties, as well as total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence.

The rising generation are surrounded with allurements calculated to tempt the appetite. Especially in our large cities, every form of indulgence is made easy and inviting. Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile themselves, will reap the reward of their temperate habits. With their greater physical stamina and increased power of endurance, they have a bank of deposit upon which to draw in case of emergency.

Right physical habits promote mental superiority. Intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity depend upon immutable laws. There is no happen-so, no chance, about this matter. Nature’s God will not interfere to preserve men from the consequences of violating nature’s laws.

DEFINITION OF TEMPERANCE

Total abstinence of all things harmful and moderation of that which is good in ALL areas of life. Keeping within the bounds, not being extreme or excessive. Freedom from extremes, which we gain by establishing good habits.

Temperance includes areas of work, play, sleeping, dressing, drinking and eating (harmful foods - spices, vinegar etc).

The first results of intemperance are lack of spiritual perception and then mental dullness and after that, lack of physical health and strength.

"The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have moral power to gain victory over every temptation of Satan." Health Reformer August, 1875.

This is why Satan especially targets us in this way - only through Christ can we have victory over our appetites and passions. We must persevere in obedience until our weakest points become our strengths.

Temperance is one of the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22,23; 2 Peter 1:5-7 - we must be temperate before we can be patient.)

ALCOHOL

• No. 1 drug problem in the world.
  
  
• accidents, terror, crime, broken homes, poverty, broken lives - death.
  
  
• deadly poison - absorbed directly into the blood from the stomach and small intestine.
  
  
• blood cells sacrifice themselves to get rid of damaged or dead cells - defences are temporarily lowered.
  
  
• red cells clump together - can cut off circulation in small vessels - especially in the brain, destroying brain cells.
  
  
• every time alcohol is taken some brain cells are destroyed.
  
  
• stresses the liver as it tries to break down the poison - leads to cirrhosis of the liver.
  
  
• light drinking can produce pancreatitis.
  
  
• 1-2 drinks causes spasm of coronary arteries and reduces oxygen to heart muscle.
  
  
• no good medicinal reason to use alcohol.
  
  
• can lead to malnutrition - hunger is dulled, empty calories cause protein and vitamin deficiencies.
  
  
• if we want the best mental and physical health we must not use alcohol. It ROBS a PERSON OF JUDGMENT AND SELF CONTROL AND ALTERS THE REACTION TIME of the nerves.
  
  
• 2-3 drinks are all it takes between safety and an accident.

TOBACCO

• contains more than 20 poisons - nicotine, coal tar, carbon monoxide, cyanide, furfural, ammonia.
  
  
• coal tars are largely responsible for cancer in mucous membranes of the mouth, gums, larynx lungs, stomach and bladder.
  
  
• all cancers are more common in smokers - it depresses the immune system.
  
  
• reduces oxygen flow to arteries and capillaries because of high carbon monoxide in the blood.
  
  
• destroys air sacs in the lungs - emphysema with cough and shortness of breath. Symptom don’t begin until about 50% of lung tissues is destroyed.
  
  
• 1/3 of coronary artery disease is caused by smoking.
  
  
• effect on the unborn and increased risk of death after birth.

5 DAY PLAN

1. Make a decision to STOP.
   
   
2. Deep breathing for every craving - 2-3 minutes to relax and the craving to pass.
   
   
3. Lukewarm shower 2 x daily to cleanse the skin of poisons.
   
   
4. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily - especially when craving.
   
   
5. Eat lightly - no eggs, cheese or meat but lots of fruit and vegetables. Take Vit. B1 (Brewers yeast - 1 tab. daily)
   
   
6. Brisk walk in fresh air for 30 minutes daily, especially take a short walk if craving.
   
   
7. No alcohol, coffee (cola drinks) not even chocolate.
   
   
8. Avoid favourite chair - anything associated with smoking - change your routine.
   
   
9. Get rid of all smoking equipment.
   
   
10. Tell a trusted person you are stopping - ask for help - get a support network of family and friends.
    
    
11. Say I choose not to smoke for 1 hour - 4 hours etc.
    
    
12. Ask God for help !

CAFFEINE - coffee, tea, cola drinks

• Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant - it increases blood sugar, heart rate and output, raises blood pressure, increases kidney function, increases urine output (diuretic and dehydrating) and increases respiratory rate.
  
  
• It gives no calories, no nutrition and no vitamin to do all this work - like whipping a tired horse.
  
  
• It is an illusion, an actor. It pretends. It deceives the nervous system. (Spiders web is distorted even 3 days after caffeine and takes 4 days to become normal)
  
  
• Increases fat in blood.
  
  
• Increases fatty acids plus stress effect on central nervous system and increases blood pressure = heart attack.
  
  
• Heavy caffeine users have more heart attacks and increase in all types of disease.
  
  
• Increase stomach acid - causes heart burn and ulcers.
  
  
• Partially paralyses digestive tract and slows digestion and absorption leading to gas, indigestion and colon cancer.
  
  
• Irritates kidneys.
  
  
• Increases blood sugar levels.
  
  
• Can cause anxiety neurosis - dizzy, agitated restless, headaches, poor sleeping, pallor, tremor and perspiration - all cured by removing caffeine.

OVEREATING

Our tables contain too much food. Many eat until they can barely get up from the table. Children are made to clean up their plates. The stomach stretches to accommodate the excess, causing pain, misery and indigestion.

Overeating takes energy from the brain to digest the food causing cloudy, undiscriminating minds, unable to discern the will of God. The habit of overeating set in the hypothalamus in the brain, is passed onto children. ("visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation." Ex. 34:7.)

Temperance includes all areas of life - work, play, eating, sleeping, dressing and drinking.

"Excessive indulgence in eating, drinking, sleeping or seeing is sin." Counsels on Diet and Food page 141.

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