Galatians 5.22-23“Now the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control …”
As mentioned yesterday, I have intentionally observed people in various situations and watched for the presence or absence of patience. I have observed a great deal of impatience, and the negative impact is obvious. However, I have also observed people acting with patience and perseverance, and in those situations the impact was positive and productive.
In particular, I saw that patient people stay focused on the goals they are pursuing, and they stay focused on working the process necessary to achieve their goals. They are not discouraged by how long the process takes, nor are they distracted by the inevitable obstacles and challenges they encounter as they work the process. They are just like the farmer in the James 5 passage who “waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.”
When I have observed people who are patient and persistent, I also noticed they are problem-solvers. They patiently and proactively work the process, and when they encounter problems (which is inevitable in a fallen world), they don’t complain; they solve. They accept problem-solving as part of the process. Patient people aren’t surprised by problems; they are prepared for them.
When impatient people encounter a problem or an obstacle, they are quick to get frustrated and angry, and they are quick to complain. Ironically, their complaining wastes enormous amounts of time and energy that could have been invested in solving the problems. Patient & persistent people waste no time or energy on complaining. They focus all of their energy on solving and achieving. Needless to say, patient people have an enormous competitive advantage over impatient people. Patient people solve problems faster, with better results, and with significantly less stress.
This is the discipline that God calls us to build into our lives. James 5.8-9 says, “You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers.” The admonition to “Establish your hearts” repeats and reinforces the call to be patient. As we navigate the events, situations, and challenges of a fallen world, we need a heart that is established and strong. The verb that is used here — sterizo — also appears in Luke 9:51, where it says that Jesus “fixed his face” to go to Jerusalem and to all that awaited him there. In this example from the life of Jesus you can feel the force of the verb sterizo: determination, resolve, persistence, courage, strength.
Maintaining patience and perseverance in the midst of the challenges of life and work requires a strong heart, a heart that is “established and determined.” This means a heart that is fully given to Christ. We should not be surprised when we encounter obstacles and problems. But again, our response to challenges depends on the condition of our hearts. If we are self-centered and walk in the flesh, we will be discouraged and impatient and fearful. But if we trust God and walk in the Spirit, we will experience the fruit of the Spirit, and we will be patient and steadfast in response to whatever situations we encounter. We will be sterizo.
Patience — and the focus and perseverance that come with it — are essential disciplines for the followers of Christ. The consequences of impatience are devastating. It will damage a marriage, derail a project, destroy a plan, and stunt spiritual growth.
Is there some area of your life right now where you are impatient? It could be toward a person you work with (or live with). It could be toward a plan or a project you are working on. It could be toward a process you are trying to implement (or change). It could be toward a particular situation you are dealing with. Whatever it might be, is there some area in your life right now where you are impatient and your focus is drifting, your motivation is diminishing, and your energy is declining? If so, that is your old nature at work. The Spirit is calling you to trust God and be patient; he is calling you to refocus your mind and rekindle your motivation for solving the problem or resolving the issue or reaching out to the person.
Let’s be clear. Our old nature is self-centered. It indulges selfish impulses, it produces impatience, and it gives up easily. Our new nature is Christ-centered. It is strong and courageous because it focuses on the truth of scripture and trusts in the power of God. It produces patience, perseverance, and relentless problem-solving. Let us walk in the Spirit, and be patient.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in your troubles, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12.12)
