Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Being Temperate in All Things...


Photo: Ben Romney, Europe

Highlights from "Being Temperate in All Things" by Elder Kent D. Watson

Being temperate is to use moderation in all things or to exercise self-control.

Being temperate means to carefully examine our expectations and desires, to be diligent and patient in seeking righteous goals.

A temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world.

We all seek peace of mind, and we all desire security and happiness for our families. If we look for silver linings in this past year’s economic downturn, perhaps the trials some have faced have taught us that peace of mind, security, and happiness do not come from buying a home or accumulating possessions for which the debt incurred is larger than our savings or income can afford.

When our hearts are stirred to anger by disputation and contention, the Savior taught that we should “repent, and become as a little child.” We should be reconciled with our brother and come to the Savior with full purpose of heart.
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1 comment:

  1. Lydia,
    This is a beautiful blog. I just discovered it. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete