Temperance Begins at Home

In a January 3, 1873, vision, she was shown that temperance movements were limited in their effectiveness because they restricted their warfare against intemperance to the use of alcoholic beverages. She wrote: “Intemperance is increasing everywhere, notwithstanding the earnest efforts made during the past year to stay its progress. I was shown that the giant power of intemperance will not be controlled by any such efforts as have been made. The work of temperance must begin in our families, at our tables.” ^{24Testimonies for the Church 3:562.}MOL 365.11

Further, she wrote: “Intemperance commences at our tables. The appetite is indulged until its indulgence becomes second nature. By the use of tea and coffee an appetite is formed for tobacco, and this encourages the appetite for liquors.” ^{25Testimonies for the Church 3:563.}MOL 365.12

But intemperance is not only a matter of food and drink, it includes “excessive indulgence in eating, drinking, sleeping, or seeing.” ^{26Testimonies for the Church 4:417; see also Patriarchs and Prophets, 562.} Intemperance in certain dress habits is to be overcome. ^{27Medical Ministry, 275.} Intemperance in overwork, in study, in seeking riches, is to be avoided. ^{28Temperance, 139, 140.}MOL 365.13

The only cure for intemperance is to regain self-control. Often Ellen White emphasized the principle that “passions are to be controlled by the will, which is itself to be under the control of God. The kingly power of reason, sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in our lives.” ^{29The Ministry of Healing, 130.}MOL 365.14

She pointed out that when physical habits are not right, “our mental and moral powers cannot be strong.” ^{30Testimonies for the Church 3:51. “The brain nerves that connect with the whole system are the medium through which heaven communicates with man, and affects the inmost life. Whatever hinders the circulation of the electric current in the nervous system, thus weakening the vital powers and lessening mental susceptibility, makes it more difficult to arouse the moral nature.” Education, 209. See Education, 197.}MOL 365.15

She saw the direct connection between self-control and character development, between self-control in all areas of life and preparation for the coming of the Lord: “The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character.” ^{31Testimonies for the Church 3:491, 492.}MOL 366.1

The challenge of self-control in every area of life is for all Christians, especially those who are proclaiming the “everlasting gospel” in the last days: “To make plain natural law, and urge the obedience of it, is the work that accompanies the third angel’s message to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.” ^{32Testimonies for the Church 3:161.}MOL 366.2