The Lost Virtue
Finding peace when the person in front of you has nowhere to go and all day to get there. (6-minute read)
Scientists recently announced that they have discovered the amount of time in a split second. After research and data analysis from all over the country, they determined that a split second is the amount of time that passes from when the light turns green until the person behind you honks their horn. Yes, that was a joke. You’ve probably heard it. If you live in one of the more impatient areas of the country, where that kind of “split second” experience is common, you probably don’t see the humor.
All joking aside, patience (or the lack of it) has been the subject of considerable scientific study, primarily by phycologists. You may wonder why. Well, when companies understand more about why we become impatient, it can help them figure out how to avoid causing that to happen. That knowledge is something companies are willing to pay for because it can result in happy customers who spend more money. Those studies have revealed that Americans spend a total of 37 billion hours a year waiting in line, and the average commuter spends 42 hours a year stuck in traffic. The studies resulted in scientific papers full of all kinds of cool sounding terms like “Intertemporal Choice” and “Adaptive Syndromes.” But I really didn’t find anything in the few reports I read to help me be more patient when someone in front of me on I-75 is in the left lane going 20 MPH under the speed limit while talking on their cell phone.
In our world today, computer technology and automated systems have made many daily experiences faster and easier. We arguably wait less for things than any generation that has ever lived. So why does it often seem like people are more impatient than ever? It’s a good question, but once again, I didn’t find the answer in the scientific research papers. And that’s a problem because I have so many questions. Why do so many people have so little patience while living in a society where almost anything we need can be picked up at the curb or delivered to our door in a few hours? Why should we care? As Christians, can we find the answers in the Bible? Let’s do a little research study of our own today.
I think the first thing we’ll notice is that patience is a subject that is mentioned throughout the Bible. It’s one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit cited by the Apostle Paul (Galatians 5:22-23). That probably means if we are Christians we should have more patience than people without faith. I guess I need God to help me with that because I don’t always live like that is the case. The Scriptures repeatedly underscore patience as a characteristic of God's nature and an essential discipline for believers to practice in their lives. This has been taught by pastors and church leaders since the beginning of the church. I remember reading a sermon by one of the old classic 16th century preachers where he said: “Without patience there cannot be an ounce of faith.” If he’s right, could that mean that a lack of patience today could be caused by a lack of faith? Seems a bit harsh, what about a second opinion on that idea?
I don’t recall that 16th century preacher’s name from the quote above but he is not the only one to have that perspective. 10 minutes of digging came up with several others. John Calvin said – “Patience is the fruit and evidence of faith.” John Wesley said - “Humility and patience are the surest proofs of the increase of love." St. Augustine said – “Patience is the companion of wisdom.” One of my favorite classical preachers is C.H. Spurgeon. He prefaced his views on patience by reflecting on its cause and effect:
“The trees bow in the wind, and so must we. Every time the sheep bleats it loses a mouthful, and every time we complain we miss a blessing. Grumbling is a bad trade, and yields no profit, but patience has a golden hand.”
It seems that Spurgeon sees a link between patience and testing or enduring trials. One of the most famous passages in the Bible about patience seems to agree, and also links it to perseverance and maturity. It is found in the New Testament book of James. James 1:3-4 (NIV) teaches:
"…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
The Old Testament offers similar insights into patience, often illustrating it through the stories of faithful individuals enduring trials. For instance, the story of Job exemplifies profound patience in the face of suffering. Despite losing his wealth, health, and family, Job remains steadfast in his faith, declaring, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15, NIV). Job's unwavering patience serves as a powerful testament to trusting in God's sovereignty, even amidst adversity. Patience is also linked to the concept of waiting upon the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NIV) admonishes, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." This verse underscores the importance of patience in trusting God's timing and providence, believing that His plans unfold according to His perfect will.
So, what has our Biblical research revealed? Your findings may be different than mine, but I feel like the Bible portrays patience not merely as the passive endurance of waiting but as an active practice of faith and trust in God's word and His love for us. It teaches believers to persevere through trials, to exhibit tolerance in their interactions with others, and to wait expectantly upon the Lord. By embodying patience, Christians emulate the character of Christ and bear witness to the transformative power of faith in their lives. Living like Christ is the essence of being a Christian Soldier.
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