|
The virtues of Christian Character
The Importance of Being Patient
When measuring true Christian character, “patience” must be very high on the spectrum. James encourages his readers to be patient, in order to receive the harvest here on earth and the crown of life [in heaven] which they desire [James 5:7-9]. Psalm 37:7 tells us to… "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him." Most of you can do neither - you are either too restless before Him or too impatient with Him. But, do you know? You’re "being invigorated and strengthened with all supernatural power according to His glorious might, so that you may exercise great endurance and patience with joy" [Colossians 1:11]. Notice that patience must be practised with joy!
You could never learn to be patient or courageous if there were only joy in the world. God has equipped you with the ability to endure any lengthy ordeal with joy! It's your courage and patience that enables you to outlast the battle and secure the victory. "We need to be persistent and undaunted so that when we have done the will of God we will receive what He has promised" [Hebrews 10:36].
Patience and persistence go hand in hand, and they usually operate in pressure situations. This is generally due to you having placed yourself in a state of expectancy – awaiting the arrival of something anticipated or promised. Habakkuk 2:3 says, “The vision will be fulfilled. But if it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place.” Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet!
Are you presently in the waiting room - awaiting the vision to be fulfilled? Or are you in the departure lounge – waiting for something to take off in your life? If you are, remember this, perseverance and patience are both developed and perfected through tests and trials. But then so is character! And character is your greatest visible quality! Therefore, such tests and trials actually do help to perfect you as a Christian.
Patience is the hallmark of a mature believer. James 1:3-4 "Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith will bring forth endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience run its full course and do a thorough work, so that you may be people perfectly and fully developed, with no defects, lacking in nothing" [Amplified].
You only become mature and complete by allowing patience to run its full course. The truth is, the more patience you exercise, the more death you will inflict on your carnal nature. And only then are you mature, producing true Godliness! |
Chris Demetriou, 21/06/2010 |
|
| |
