Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 TEMPERANCE DAY

BODY: THE TEMPLE OF GOD TO BE KEPT IN HOLINESS 
- Matthew 3:15 

But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed him. 

When we think about the world, one of the first words that might come to mind are “chaos” or “disorder.” We live in a fallen world, and before the coming of Christ, there was no set standard for holiness. 
There is a false notion, a lie spread throughout our society that states that we can attain purity and holiness on our own. This is certainly not true, as it is only through the grace of God that man can attain holiness. For being united with Christ in holiness is not a matter of simply doing this or that by our own will power. As St. Paul reminded the Colossians, “you were buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, Who raised Him from the dead.” We obviously cannot conquer sin and death by even our best actions or thoughts. As St. Paul taught, “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” 
So what is important in maintaining our temperance? The constant remembrance of God, and perseverance in searching for God even in our weakness. Without God, we cannot achieve a peace in our lives that we yearn for. Perseverance in prayer and the constant remembrance of God is the key to overcoming all sin that corrupts us. 
Take the example of Mary and Joseph going to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. They forgot where Jesus was, and when they forgot, their minds fell into chaos and disorder, and they were frantically searching for him. It is the same way in our lives. Notice the reaction of Mary and Joseph when Jesus was missing. They went looking for Jesus everywhere, and they did not stop for three days, as if their lives depended on it. This should be the same reaction that occurs within us, a constant yearning to search for Jesus within our hearts, as if our lives depend on it. This is what is meant by perseverance in prayer, it should become a basic necessity like food or water. Let us prepare our minds and hearts to rely on God to overcome our weaknesses, particularly in the form of addictions, for it is God’s power that is “made perfect in our weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9) 
 

Prayer
Heavenly father, have mercy on your sinful servants. Should we fall a thousand times in your sight, help us to stay on the road of holiness which you have prepared for us. Amen. 
Thought of the Day 
With God’s mercy and grace we overcome our weaknesses. For there is no other power that can transform our lives.

Mr Thomas Mathai
The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island

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