In 2 Peter 1:5, 6 the apostle outlines the process for Christian growth. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.” No man can represent Christ aright without being temperate. Being temperate means more than not overeating. “True temperance teaches us to abstain entirely from that which is injurious, and to use healthful and nutritious articles judiciously. (RH, September 23, 1884 par. 5) And remember, the Word of God states: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” (1 Cor. 9:25) Remember, the key to being temperate is first and foremost, prayer and fasting. Why not try the 24 hour fasting and prayer again? It is the key! “That which is injurious” are alcohol, tobacco, drugs and caffeine. Eating rich, spicy, sugary items set the stage for the use of these addicting substances. In an animal study, when mice were given the chance to drink either water or alcohol, those eating a plant based diet consumed 4.5% of their liquid in the form of 10% alcohol. Those on the typical American teenager diet: fatty, sugary, caffeine containing foods and beverages consumed 56% of their beverages in the form of 10% alcohol. You may not have known that there is an association between diet and the use of alcohol and drugs; but Satan does. That’s why he promotes an unhealthy diet; to control and destroy us! To glory God, to preserve the life and health of your family, and to be truly temperate, you should omit foods you know to be unhealthy.