The Virtue Series: Self Control Part 1

THE VIRTUE SERIES 

THE VIRTUE OF SELF-CONTROL(TEMPERANCE)

So far in this series called the Virtues, we have first explored as an overview what the virtues are and how they are important to our lives. Then we have explored wisdom and justice and courage over 6 weeks. If you have missed these posts, why not have a look. During the season of Lent, the series was postponed.
During Eastertide, let us continue the journey of exploration on the virtue of Self-Control (Temperance)

WHAT DOES THE CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH SAY?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Temperance as follows:

'Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honourable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: (Para 1809)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also notes:

 'Temperance is often praised in the Old Testament: "Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites." In the New Testament it is called "moderation" or "sobriety." We ought "to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world."

It is interesting to note that unlike the other virtues, self-control is the one virtue that directs our attention inward.  While the other virtues deal with our interactions with others, the virtue of self -control helps us order out personal lives.  Self-control help us as Christians to: 

·        order our desires in keeping with the truths of our faith.  

·    assist us take control on the many drives and desires of our lives that seem so unmanageable.  

The desire to grow in this virtue provides the possibility of being personally challenged when I pose the question and reflect upon:  What negative results have I seen in my personal life when self-control is lacking?   When I answer this question honestly, praying to the Holy Spirit to enlighten and direct me is essential.  

I know that this virtue has been lacking in my life, especially during these last few years when my life's situation is incredibly stressful.  Recently I have been praying earnestly for this virtue, since to rely on my own efforts has proven to be a road of failure.  I am happy to say that in recent weeks, I sense that Jesus is answering this prayer.  I have to admit that praying for an increase in the virtues has not been part of my prayer life before, but as I have been exploring these virtues on my blog, it has opened me up to this possibility.

Well enough about me... What does Scripture offer us in relation to this virtue.

Galatians 5:16-24 highlights that all the works of the flesh can be eliminated by self-control.  The Spirit enables us through self-control to choose what we will think and do rather than be controlled by our passions.  To the extend we have overcome the works of the flesh through the power of the Spirit, we belong to Christ, and to the extent we have not, we are still enslaved to sin and death.

However, it is important here to note that being steadfast is essential, despite our failures.  Through frequent or daily Mass and regular participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance, prayer and fasting (mortification), and in the power of God's grave, putting to death our sinful passions is indeed possible.

Why do we need this virtue?  Self-control is necessary to moderate those things that are good when used to preserve our lives, yet become evil when they are abused.  It is possible to have too much of a good thing.  The three primal areas of life, namely, food, drink and sexuality are necessary for our survival, and are the most difficult to control.  They require the virtue of self-control if they are to be properly and healthfully used for our good.

Next week I will examine further scripture passages that are pivotal to this virtue. Perhaps you may be interested to explore:

·                     Romans 6:11-23.

·                     Isaiah 5:11-12

·                     Romans 13:11-14

·                     Ephesians 5:18

·                     1 Peter 4: 7

You may also wish to ponder this quote by Saint Augustine during the week.

"To live well is nothing other than to love God with all one's heart, 

with all one's soul and with all one's efforts;

from this it comes about that 

love is kept whole and uncorrupted through temperance"

May you blessed with an increase of all the virtues.