For whatever was
written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through
perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now
may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the
same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord
you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Romans 15:4-6)
Have you ever heard someone say, “I just can’t get my head
around it?” Without being able to
understand something, it is very difficult to act properly or do what we need to
do. However, understanding the commands
of God is certainly no prerequisite to performing them. It does help that God gives us not only
direction but understanding in His Word.
What is the one thing we have the most trouble with when it
comes to serving others? PATIENCE! Or,
as the verse we are looking at calls it, PERSEVERANCE. The Word of God speaks directly of the
patience that is necessary to accomplish the work of God.
When we set out to do something for someone else, we certainly
have an idea as to how it should go. The
only problem seems to be that their weakness or lack of understanding gets in
the way. Apart from doing it for them
instead of teaching them to be responsible for themselves (the easy but wrong
way to handle it), we must have patience as they learn. We sometimes forget that God has all eternity
to do His work and we may be just a part of the process, not the entire
solution.
God works in every individual toward a special purpose and
design. He is developing many parts of
our character and spiritual life through our service as He uses us to help
another to grow. Doing the right thing
the wrong way does not accomplish His purpose.
PATIENCE!
Now comes the difficult part...
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the
same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord
you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christians are supposed to
agree?! Well, sort of. Unity of spirit may not mean unity of interpretation or
method. But the one thing we are to do
is respect others whether they agree with us or not. Christ did not attempt to disdain or drive
His disciples into truth, but patiently dealt with their ignorance. He worked within the confines of the
understanding and character of His disciples.
While there may have been a better or higher way, He determined to meet
them at their level.
Is there a possibility that you and I discount others because
we feel they are slow to understand or unaware of what has been revealed to
us? What if God did the same with
us? How much would we know about Him and
His ways if He demanded we understand and follow them immediately? No, God is patient and encouraging. What is best for Him must also be best for
us.
Today, before you get frustrated with someone who just does
not seem “to get it” in your business, home or church. Consider what the scriptures said about
this. See if you can find a place to “be of one
accord” so all we be blessed.
Scripture to Claim:
Now for this very
reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and
in your moral excellence,
knowledge, and in your
knowledge, self-control, and in your
self-control, perseverance, and in your
perseverance, godliness, and in your
godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your
brotherly kindness, love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)
