Monday, December 21, 2009
Patience
(II Peter 1:6-8)
Common wisdom states that patience is a virtue. Well, common wisdom is right! Patience is one of the virtues Peter says we should add to our faith. Patience, however, is not always easy to attain. We’re told “tribulation worketh patience,” and most folks don’t want to go through any rough times for the sake of patience (Rom. 5:3).
Patience as used in the New Testament usually means “to stay under.” It has the idea of remaining steadfast under pressure. A.T. Robertson, Greek scholar of bygone years, states that “patience” means “staying power,” the ability to “stay” when everything is telling you “go.” Now that’s a pretty good definition of patience!
All of us get under pressure; and sometimes it’s extreme. There may even be the temptation to flee a pressured situation. For example, some alleviate pressure by making radical changes—a different job, different spouse, different location—even, for some, a different church! And all this is done in an attempt to escape the pressures of life.
Peter never condones escapism. In fact, the Bible never instructs us to run from our problems. Rather, as Christians mature in faith they should also grow in patience. Making excuses for your “short fuse” won’t increase patience. Flying off the handle won’t alleviate your pressures. What’s needed in the difficult times of life is the ability to maintain a steady hand and a straight course while under the weight of pressure. How? Take a deep breath, whisper a prayer, and believe that God really is in control of the situation. Then, with as little drama as possible, navigate through the pressures of life patiently.
