Resisting being patient, but for very mistaken reasons
I have often skipped over Bible passages which have recommended patience as a virtue. Exercising patience, for me, has smacked of accepting second-best, or of having to adjust preferences downward to accommodate the realities of circumstance - the result being a sour-faced Christian who is stoically putting up with her lot!
However, I am slowly beginning to realize that patience, as promoted within scripture at least, is something much more life-enhancing. It is not just a waiting for God's will (as a passive act of acceptance); it is also a space we create for God to act, which then allows God to positively work in our lives to change us. Patience, in this sense, is more a catalyst for transformation, as - through the power of God and Christ - we are able to mature and receive his deeper blessings for our lives. In other words, with patience we don't stoically put up with our rather diminished lot; rather, we expect to be enriched and satisfied as we are able, through patience, to receive his blessings more.
As its says in James 1:4 'Let perseverance and patience finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' (my emphasis).
Click on book cover image on this blog's home page for information on my book Nine Steps to Well-Being: A Spiritual Guide for Disconnected Christians and Other Questioning Journeyers - first three chapters are FREE!!
However, I am slowly beginning to realize that patience, as promoted within scripture at least, is something much more life-enhancing. It is not just a waiting for God's will (as a passive act of acceptance); it is also a space we create for God to act, which then allows God to positively work in our lives to change us. Patience, in this sense, is more a catalyst for transformation, as - through the power of God and Christ - we are able to mature and receive his deeper blessings for our lives. In other words, with patience we don't stoically put up with our rather diminished lot; rather, we expect to be enriched and satisfied as we are able, through patience, to receive his blessings more.
As its says in James 1:4 'Let perseverance and patience finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' (my emphasis).
Click on book cover image on this blog's home page for information on my book Nine Steps to Well-Being: A Spiritual Guide for Disconnected Christians and Other Questioning Journeyers - first three chapters are FREE!!
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