The final pillar of virtue, I will discuss, is temperance (or self-control). The make-up of this pillar is knowledge, wisdom, courage and perseverance. Self-control insures the provision for freedom’s future; the glutton devours tomorrow’s supply. When a people are blessed with plenty, the temptation is to take more than we need. Today’s America is full of overweight people. Christians may practice self-control over our words and activities, yet the consumption of food has been deemed acceptable, and even, needful at every Christian gathering. And, not just a little to satiate hunger but an overabundance which often results in waste. The temperate, not only are mindful of how much they eat, they are careful about other consumable things like, energy resources, natural resources, financial resources, and so on. They gather knowledge about what is provided and prudently use these provisions so that hunger, poverty and/or depravity are not found among them. They are courageous and victorious in subduing lust and resisting the world, the flesh and the devil. Because they practice self-control, they win today’s battles and have the strength and provision for tomorrow’s conflicts. Think about it.