At the heart of our Christian walk lie virtues that shape not only our relationship with God but also how we care for one another. Among these, charity and temperance stand as beacons of the life we’re called to live. Yet, they often contrast sharply with the vices of greed and gluttony, which can draw us away from God’s purpose.
Scripture reminds us repeatedly of the blessings found in a life of generosity. Proverbs 11:25 tells us, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Charity, or love in action, is not just about financial giving. It’s the smiling hello to a stranger, the meal delivered to a neighbor in need, or the time spent with someone who feels forgotten. Generosity transforms our hearts, helping us see the world through the lens of God’s compassion.
Similarly, temperance—often understood as moderation—is a quiet, often-overlooked virtue. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians instructs us, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Temperance asks us to steward not just our bodies but also our resources, our energy, and even our desires in ways that honor God. It reminds us that life’s pleasures are gifts, not gods, and helps us find balance amid a culture that often encourages indulgence.
Greed and gluttony, by contrast, lure us toward more—more money, more recognition, more consumption—without satisfying our deeper hunger for connection with God and others. Jesus warns in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” What a startling, yet freeing, reminder that the accumulation of more is not the measure of our worth.
Temperance, greed, and gluttony are so much harder when it comes to our technology habits. We tend to have an abundance of internet courage and a lack of accountability, which makes it easier for us to overindulge.
Join me on Sunday as we explore ways to live out our faith in the increasingly complex digital age.
P.S. – Our challenge this week? Be the friendliest church on the internet. Share some positive vibes and love on social mediat today!
See you Sunday at 11AM at Trinity United Methodist Church 814 West Avenue, Cartersville, Georgia.