It is normal for a preacher to point at the culture and show its deficiencies. I’m guilty of doing it on occasion because the “culture” can’t argue back. At least during a sermon. However, I have come face to face with the culture this week and I can see that it has invaded my thinking.
The need for immediate satisfaction is a cultural curse. Instant rice, faster Internet searches, McDonalds and drive-through convenience. These external indicators point to a desire for a quick fix to problems, a lack of patience when things do not go as quick as I would like. I get frustrated and annoyed that things take too long.
Yet in direct opposition to this, the Scriptures speak of patient endurance and long-suffering. Hebrews 12 tells us to run the race set out for us with endurance. Romans 5:3-5 speaks of tribulations producing endurance and this, as a good thing. Abraham waited decades for God to fulfill His promise of a Son and never physically saw the fulfillment of the promise of a land. Job endured tribulations without ever knowing why. David waited years for the anointing as king to be realized.
I confess that I struggle to contain the cultural invasion, this need for the “now”. God continues to bring things into my life that require me to take the long view. Thankfully, it is His Spirit within me that continually works to give me the characteristics that reflect His own.
What about you guys? Do you struggle with this as well? How are you growing in this area?
Tags: endurance
November 8, 2007 at 11:59 am |
Guy & Kellie,
I have been studying Genesis this year and have pondered many times how patient and faithful Joseph was in his faith journey e.g. waiting two years in prison for the butler “cellmate” to mention him to Pharaoh. God has His own plan and timing, and I pray for patience while I wait to see His plan unfold. I praise Him for answered prayer!
November 9, 2007 at 8:48 am |
Bob,
You are so right. It seems that most if not all of the saints recorded in Scripture had to learn that lesson. Even Christ had to learn it. Instead of circumventing the process for our salvation (as Satan tempted Him to do), He learned obeidence to the Father’s will and suffered for our sake (Hebrews speaks of this in chapter 2 I believe).