Friday, July 1, 2022
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
Patience to Persevere
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.
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.
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
