Add to Temperance Patience

[Thompson, Darryl]

Add to Temperance Patience 

     Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4  

     "And to knowledge, temperance." This is the third step in the path
toward perfection of character. On every side there is indulgence and
dissipation, and the result is degeneration and corruption. The
inhabitants of our earth are depreciating in mental, moral, and physical
power, because of the intemperate habits of society. Appetite, passion,
and love of display are carrying the multitudes into the greatest
excesses and extravagance. . . . The people of God must take an opposite
course from the world. They must take up the warfare against these
sinful practices, deny appetite, and keep the lower nature in
subjection. . . . It is for us to "search the Scriptures," and bring our
habits into harmony with the instruction of the Bible. . . .  

     "And to temperance, patience." The need of becoming temperate is
made manifest as we try to take this step. It is next to an
impossibility for an intemperate person to be patient.  

     Some of us have a nervous temperament, and are naturally as quick
as a flash to think and to act; but let no one think that he cannot
learn to become patient. Patience is a plant that will make rapid growth
if carefully cultivated. By becoming thoroughly acquainted with
ourselves, and then combining with the grace of God a firm determination
on our part, we may be conquerors, and become perfect in all things,
wanting in nothing.  

     Patience pours the balm of peace and love into the experiences of
the home life. . . . Patience will seek for unity in the church, in the
family, and in the community. This grace must be woven into our lives. 

>From My Life Today - Page 97