Patience is a virtue...
July 2009
Isn't it ironic that those who are most aggressive in asserting their rights and pushing themselves forward are the least likely to earn the respect they demand? They must have what they want now. They are often ruled by their immediate emotions. They carry the defining marks of the world and they are unimpressive to everyone but themselves.
By contrast those who are patient - slow to anger, reluctant to judge others or who consider their words before speaking them - are often those who are held in high regard by others. They don't assert their reputation, but earn it. They may lose the argument but win respect. The world takes notice because they are unlike the ways of the world. They carry the marks of wisdom. Whether they mean to or not, they are like Jesus.
Jesus could have won the kingdoms of the world when the Devil tempted him during his 40 days in the wilderness. But he was patient. He could have claimed his rule and authority when he rode into Jerusalem. But he was patient. He could have condemned those who played any part in his crucifixion. But he was patient. He could have called legions of angels to defend him. But he was patient. He could have returned yesterday. But he is patient.
Why is he so patient? Because he knows that the greater the investment in his people, in both time and spiritual maturity, then the greater the benefit in the eternal plan and purpose of God. And God has infinite patience with us, his beloved, yet troublesome, creation.
As disciples of Jesus, have we learned and understood that principle for ourselves; that sometimes the best answer, and sometimes the only answer, is a slow one or even none at all?
Sometimes we don't need to defend our ‘reputation' when our position will be established in the end if we live our lives as Jesus demands of us and are patient. Sometimes the person who offends us will eventually come to their senses if we don't retaliate, if we treat them with love and respect and pray for them, if we are patient.
If we are patient in all things we will be like Jesus, and that's what we, his followers, should strive for each and every day
© Copyright Hatfield Church / Tim Sweed 2008