Wait a Minute

Let’s try a word-association test. I’ll say a word, and you say the first thing that comes to mind. Ready? “Patience.” (What, you don’t want to play anymore?)

Of all the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us, the prospect of acquiring patience unsettles us the most. How many times, for instance, have we heard—or said—something like this: “Don’t pray for patience, because you just might get it!” Kindness, goodness, and faithfulness? Yes, Lord, make me more like you. Love, joy, and peace? Come and fill me to overflowing. But patience? Please, Lord, not today. I don’t have time for it. 

We’re so thankful when others endure us with grace, and we respect them for their forbearance, so what makes this particular virtue so difficult for us to practice? I think it is because patience is the “time element” fruit: it requires us, amid trying circumstances, to relinquish control over a protracted and often indeterminable period of time. An act of kindness may only take a moment, and we love in real-time. Patience, though, means waiting in faith—abiding a difficulty we cannot control and hoping for what we cannot see—for who knows how long?

Patience is a struggle for us, but it is the very nature of God. We see it in the Heavenly Father’s assurance to His Kingly Son, as David reveals: “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’”¹ We experience it in God’s regard for us, as Peter writes, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”²

The fact of the matter is, for all it demands of us, patience gives us back much more. So, let’s try our word-association game again . . .

“Patience.” “Rest.” Patience beckons us to rest in God, rather than to churn in doubt.
“Patience.” “Honor.” Patience calls us to honor those we might otherwise belittle.
“Patience.” “Grace.” Patience invites us to “pay forward” the grace God has shown us.
“Patience.” “Contentment.” Patience matures us from situational happiness to unconditional contentment.
“Patience.” “Opportunity.” Patience allows us to repair relationships we have damaged through impatience.
“Patience.” “Enjoyment.” Patience frees us to enjoy the moments we might merely have endured.
“Patience.” “Humility.” In patience, we trust the faithfulness of God and esteem others as our equals.
“Patience.” “Clarity.” In patience, we exchange our agenda of ambiguity for God’s calendar of clarity.
“Patience.” “Faith.” In patience, we overcome the weakness of doubt with the strength of belief.

Father, dare I ask for patience? Yes, though it costs me my will, I choose to trust in your sovereignty, your wisdom, your love, and your faithfulness. Grace me to flourish in the grace and peace I’ll find in patience. In Jesus’ name and the power of your Spirit, I pray. Amen. 

Christ in me is humility.

[Read today’s Scripture in Mark 12:35-37.]

¹ Mark 12:36
² 2 Peter 3:9

An Example to Live By

Mark 12:41 (NIV)
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.

Lest we think that Jesus doesn't care about our giving habits, our generous nature, let this verse dispel those thoughts. Jesus sat down right where the offerings were put and watched...

In fact, Jesus used this occasion as a teaching moment for His disciples. He wanted to show them a few things. First Jesus pointed out how the rich give from their wealth. There was not lots of sacrifice involved. I don't think he was putting them down for their actions as much as he was elevating the gift the poor woman gave. Jesus pointed out that she gave all, didn't hold back or calculate how much she could afford to put into the offerings.

This widow gave all she had to live on, where if we are honest with ourselves, we give like the rich-- from our wealth. We tithe, but often stop there. We are expected to tithe 10%, but like the widow, we get God's attention when we go even further. Perhaps that is where the phrase, "give til it hurts," has its roots.

So what is the lesson here? Why is it difficult to talk about money, why is this topic such a stumbling block for those who are not yet in a relationship with Jesus? Because it is a heart thing. When our hearts are in line with Jesus, when we walk in faith believing Jesus will provide for all our needs, giving isn't such a big issue. It is part of the Christian’s walk.

This walk often begins with baby-steps. First 1% then maybe 5% and so on. We all begin somewhere…it is just important that we begin.

Mark 12:38-44