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Add to Temperance Patience, April 3
Christian Growth
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.
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