Self-Denial

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Anyone training for a sports event, like the 100 meter race for instance, goes on a strict schedule. One thing unacceptable is overeating. The participant in the race must deny himself many of the “pleasures” that those who don’t race can enjoy. So, too, in the spiritual race of life. If we are to win the race, we must practice self-denial. We set aside activities that are pleasurable for us and concentrate instead on things for God. That’s what the word “temperate” means: self-control.