Love Is Patient

Have you ever prayed that God give you patience? Do you know what it means to have patience from God’s perspective? Are you ready to experience the challenges needed to learn to have the patience of God?

We have moments when we ask for patience. Often, it is just for the moment. Someone is doing something we don’t care for and we ask for the patience to get through it. Typically, that means we simply want patience for just a few moments, not a lasting patience.

The word patience Jesus uses in today’s passage and used in other places throughout the New Testament does not have a momentary meaning. It means to be long-suffering. In other words, the ability to withstand a challenge and remain in control for an extended period of time. It also means to maintain both internal and external control. We are to maintain self-control of our internal being and exhibit that control externally to others. Challenging? You bet!

But isn’t this the patience God shows toward us? He patiently waits for us to mature in our belief and following of His Son. If he had no patience, He would have destroyed all of us long ago. God has a goal to save us and continues to work through the happenings of this world to draw us to Him…patiently.

Today’s passage comes from the parable Jesus told of a king who had two servants who worked for him. One owed him money and begged the king to be patient with him and he would repay the king. The word used means he was asking the king to control himself and be long-suffering with the servant. The king agreed to do so. However, the servant would not do the same for his fellow servant. Sounds a lot like people in our world today, doesn’t it?

I pray we all learn self-control. I pray we learn to be long-suffering with our brothers and sisters. I pray each one of us learns to be patient with one another as God is patient with us. Learn self-control. Learn to be long-suffering. Learn to be patient. Know that God is being patient with you.

Matthew 18:26-27 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.”

The Perfect Role Model

Who is your role model? Why is that person your role model? Is it because of a special talent they have? Is it because of their political stance? Is it because of their moral make up? What do you think should be the deciding factor?

People choose a role model for a variety of reasons. Some may choose a role model based on popularity. Some choose based on what others think of the person they choose. Too often the role model we choose is not the best option.

You may not have put a lot of thought into choosing your role model in the past. Perhaps you have chosen a role model based on their special talent. I know I have. As a young boy, my role model was Lou Brock. Why? Because he could steal bases. I loved watching him play for the Cardinals and loved to watch him run. I was lucky to some degree, because Lou was also a great guy and a positive role model. Not all are so lucky to pick a good role model by chance.

Might I suggest we all take a little time to think about who our role models have been and who they are. Might I suggest we think about the type of person they are. Are they morally sound? Do they pursue peace, joy, and love? Or are they stir up chaos, discontent, and hate? A word of caution, their public image is not always who they really are.

Choosing a good role model should be based on who they are, how they treat others, and their moral make up. Not an easy task. Yet, there is one who clearly meets the highest standards. His name is Jesus Christ. He treated people with love, even those who didn’t like Him. He may have reprimanded them at times, but only to put them back on the right track. He ultimately gave His life for every person who has and ever will walk on this earth. Yes, Jesus is the perfect role model. Will you make Him yours?

I pray we all choose to make Jesus our role model. I pray we seek to be more like Him each day. I pray each of us will follow His example when interacting with people, showing His love to everyone we meet. Choose to be like Jesus. Love as Jesus loved. Show His love to others.

Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

One Body

Do you know where you belong today? Where are you accepted? Where do you fit in? What is your position in life? Do you want to know where you belong, where you fit in, what your position is? Do you know you can find it?

In our culture today, it seems as though everyone wants to be an individual, standing out for who they are. Teamwork is rarely seen outside of sports and in some workplaces. Everyone is seeking their place, desiring acceptance.

Paul doesn’t use the word teamwork when describing the church. Instead, he uses an even better word–body. We all understand that our own bodies are made up of different parts. We know our hands serve one purpose, while our feet serve a different one. Our eyes are part of our navigation system, and our ears are part of our early warning system.

We know having all body parts functioning properly and coordinating with one another is key to a full life. It is the same for the body of Christ, our church body. Each one of us has been gifted by the Holy Spirit with one or more gifts for the purpose of edifying and strengthening the body.

Some are gifted to preach. Others are gifted to teach. Still others are gifted to serve. Some of us are gifted to take care of and serve those who are already in the body. Others are gifted to build the body up by reaching out to people and bringing them into the body.

It takes all of us working together as one body, each performing our task based on the gifts we have been given to make the church function as one body. It takes all of us setting aside our personal agendas in order to accomplish God’s plan. It takes each one of us seeing every person we meet as a child of God.

I pray we all see ourselves as a part of one body. I pray we seek to discover our place within the body. I pray each one of us will put our spiritual gifts to work within the body of Christ. Know you are part of the body of Christ. Put your gifts to work. Play your part. Use your gifts. Build up the body.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body–whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Work for Abundance

What are you working for? What is your goal in life? Are you working toward possessions? Are you working toward pleasing your boss? Are you working toward a promotion? Does your job consume you?

Our culture places high importance on status. Status can be obtained through promotions on the job, being a social media influencer, being the star of the team, and even by being the loudest voice in the room. Working to obtain status can consume us.

Why do we work to obtain status in this world? The simple answer we don’t want to hear is, we are shortsighted. We can’t see beyond the nose on our face. The life we live on this earth is no longer than our noses when compared to the eternal life we have promised to us.

In Jesus’ own words, we are not to work for material things, rather we are to work for eternal things. Oh, believe me, I know that is not easy. Especially when we see our friends or co-workers living “the good life.” We fall prey to Satan whispering in our ears that we, too, could have that life. Then we chase after it. Now, please don’t misunderstand. There is nothing wrong with having nice things in our lives. However, when those things become our focus, our drive, the reason for all we do, we no longer have them, but they have us.

Working toward the eternal does not mean we will not have a good life on this earth. In fact, it means just the opposite. Jesus promised an abundant life (John 10:10), if we will follow Him. The abundant life is not the same as “the good life” our friends live, it is far better. Unfortunately, far too many of us don’t see it until we have made a plethora of mistakes in our lives over many years.

I pray we all work for eternity. I pray we seek the abundant life Jesus promised. I pray each one of us commits to Jesus and His teachings in this life. Work for eternity. Give up working for possessions. Commit to Jesus. Live the abundant life. See Jesus’ promise come true today.

John 6:26-27 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Work for the Harvest

Are you tired? Have you grown weary? Do you feel as though you need a break? Would you like to take a year off on a tropical island? Have you become lethargic, depressed, and feeling overwhelmed?

The past couple years have worn on nearly all of us. We have been inundated with change upon change upon change. Our minds have been overloaded with information, worry, concern, and confusion. Many of us have experienced long periods of isolation.

Though we have experienced, and continue to experience, a chaotic period in our history, we are still encouraged to do good. Why is this important? First and foremost, when we do good for others, we relieve some of our own fears and concerns. Doing good for others makes us feel good.

Paul tells the church in Galatia to continue doing good and they will reap a harvest. Notice he doesn’t state the harvest comes immediately, but it does come. Doesn’t that make sense? When a farmer plants, the crop doesn’t immediately appear. It requires months of the seed being in the soil, receiving rain and absorbing nutrients from the ground for it to become full grown. Only then can the farmer reap the harvest.

People react in much the same way. We plant a seed as we do good. We water the seed as we continue doing good. As the seed grows within those we are doing good for, a harvest will be reaped when the time is right.

He goes on to say we are to do good to all people, but especially those who are believers in Jesus. In other words, take special care to do for brothers and sisters in Christ. During these times of chaos, it is a time to pull together, pool our strengths, and take care of one another.

I pray we all turn to God for strength. I pray we do not grow weary of doing good for others. I pray each one of us continues to plant and water seeds, looking toward the harvest that will come. Lean on the strength of God. Look toward the harvest. Take care of one another. Come together as believers in Christ.

Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Friendly Reminder

Do you need to be reminded of deadlines? Do you need to put appointments on the calendar of your smart phone and set alerts? Do you sometimes forget about upcoming events and double-book yourself? Do you need to be reminded you belong to Christ?

I use the calendar on my smart phone for everything, including putting reminders in for important deadlines. I’ve gotten in the habit of looking at my calendar, even if when I’m being asked to help someone on a specific day. How about you?

Part of the issue is we have very busy lives. Part of my specific challenge is being a pastor and many people asking to meet with me. No matter what your profession, most of us operate off a calendar and a clock, and we need reminders of upcoming tasks, deadlines, appointments, and meetings. If you are like me, your calendar has several colors to represent different types of appointments or designate different organizations.

We may also need to be reminded we belong to the body of Christ. The good news…Jesus gave us a reminder. Our worship services include the reminder. What is it? Joining around the table to partake of bread and fruit of the vine. We may call it communion, holy communion, the Lord’s table, the Lord’s supper, or the eucharist.

No matter the name, we partake of the bread that reminds us of Jesus’ body. It doesn’t matter if we use wafers, crackers, or an actual loaf of bread. We are reminded both that Jesus sacrificed himself for us and we belong to Him. As Paul tells the church in Corinth, because we partake of the bread, we are one body. Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus gave us a reminder?

I pray we all remember we are part of the body of Christ. I pray we remember His sacrifice for us. I pray each one of us remember we bear a responsibility to share in the work of Christ. Remember you are part of the body of Christ. Be reminded by the bread. Be a functioning member. Work as one body.

1 Corinthians 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.

Well-Functioning Body

Do you long to be part of something good? Do you want to do good for others? Are you searching for a place where you belong? Have you had bad experiences with organizations or family? Do you know there is a place for you to be?

It is our human nature to desire belonging to a group. For some, the more socially active they are, the better they feel. For others, less social interaction is required, but is still needed. Yet, we desire more than mere social interaction.

We desire a closeness to others, an intimacy of knowing someone well. We desire acceptance and respect. Though we may not fully realize it, there is such a group. Actually, it is more and less than a group. It is called the body of Christ.

Far too many view the church as a social group. If you are one who does, your view of the church needs to change. It is not a mere social group that meets once a week and does good works for others. It is a belonging, a brotherhood and sisterhood, a commitment, an acceptance, and a family.

As Paul tells the Roman church, as members of the body of Christ, we belong to one another. We all have different talents and gifts, but we function as one. We can no more do without one member than a body can do without a hand or foot. Sure, we can stumble and fumble along without one, but we cannot fully function without all the members.

The body of Christ has work to do in this world, just as each of us individually has work to do. When one or more members are absent, the work becomes more difficult, just as your work does when you have a broken arm or leg. The body needs all members functioning well to complete the work assigned.

I pray we all see ourselves as part of the body of Christ. I pray we seek to be well functioning members. I pray each one of us commits to belonging and be accepting within the Body. Find where you belong. Be part of the body. Be a well-functioning member. Accept one another. Go about the work of Christ.

Romans 12:4-5 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Unity of the Body

Would you like to remove division? Are you weary of seeing divisions in our society and in the church? Would you like to be part of the healing process? Do you know how to bring about healing? Have you looked to God?

There are divisions everywhere we look. We see divisions in our communities, states, and country. These are not just simple disagreements about what color we should paint a wall. They are significant divisions with lines drawn and hackles up.

We can see people stand across the chasm, staring and yelling at one another. The bridge builders have gone home, giving up on any hope of bringing the two sides together. Sometimes this happens in our churches, just as it does in our society. This is extremely sad and completely against the teaching of the Bible.

Paul gives the Ephesian church a bit of guidance concerning unity. It is good advice whether division has begun to creep in or to prepare for outside attacks. He reminds them, and us, we are part of one body. There is one Spirit who lives inside us. There is one God we all serve. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we all have one hope. If we cannot unify in the spirit as one body with the hope God has given us, what can we unify for?

Unity does not mean we must follow the same liturgy nor agree on the shape of the church building nor even which day of the week we meet. It does mean we all agree there is one Lord and Savior, we serve Him as one body, and we love one another as brothers and sisters in Him. It means we stop squabbling over minor points of preference and link arms together as a unified body of Christ on what is truly important to God.

I pray we commit to being part of one body. I pray we work to remove divisions by way of the Spirit. I pray each one of us come to realize we serve one God in one hope. Seek to heal division. Be unified in the Spirit. Unify as one body. Serve one God. Hold on to one hope.

Ephesians 4:3-6 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Peace and Conformity

Are you looking for peace? Do you want to belong? Would you like to be part of an organization or group of people who appreciate you and welcome you in? How welcoming are you? Are you open to changing your outlook?

We all want to feel as though we belong. We seek approval. We want to feel welcomed and appreciated. We don’t want to change. We want to be accepted for who we are, no matter what that may look like.

We are inundated with messages to be who we are or who we want to be, often with subtle negative connotations. The implication is that we can be bull headed, stubborn, and resistant to others. We are encouraged to buck society, but not in an effort to improve society.

In complete contradiction to the messages we see and hear today, Paul tells the church in Colossae to be filled with the message of Christ. He tells them to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts. Notice that he gives them a message of conformity. Not to conform to the negative attitudes of their culture, but through encouragement, gratitude, and deed in the name of Christ.

In other words, Paul is encouraging the church to be different than society in a very good way. They are to act as one and do so through music. The songs of God are to reign within them and be their encouragement. Have you ever had negative thoughts while humming a hymn? I think not. When the music of God is coursing through your heart and mind, your focus is on Him. He wraps up his message encouraging the church to speak and act in the name of Christ while giving thanks to God.

I pray we all seek to change for the better. I pray we let the peace of Christ rule our hearts. I pray we allow the music of God to encourage us in our daily lives. Seek positive change. Seek the peace of Christ. Be thankful at all times. Sing of God. Speak as Jesus would. Do all things in Jesus’ name.

Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Use Your Gifts

Have you spent time determining what gift or gifts you have received from the Holy Spirit? Do you understand why He gives us gifts? Do you know how He determines what gifts to give? Would you like to know?

The Holy Spirit gives, minimally, a gift or talent to each one of us. For some, He distributes multiple gifts. If He gives multiple gifts, one is stronger within us than the others. Our part is to use them as they are intended.

Paul clearly tells the church in Corinth those gifts are given for the common good. In other words, we are given gifts to improve the lives of those around us, for our community, and for the world. Unfortunately, some will read that as though it means giving others what they want from a worldly perspective, which couldn’t be further from the truth. It means to give them what they need to become followers of Jesus. Sure, we are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, but always with the love of Christ and always to show them Him with the intention they choose to follow Him.

The Holy Spirit also distributes as He sees fit. That may seem a bit odd, unjust, or random. Yet, it is not. We must understand that the Holy Spirit is God, just as the Father and Son are God. He knows what each of us need to execute His plan. We are gifted individually so that we fit within the larger picture of the church. Each local body of Christ has the gifts needed to carry out the work God has set aside for them. We must recognize the gifts we have collectively and put them to use.

The Holy Spirit has given each one of us a gift or gifts for His purposes. As we seek to follow Jesus, we must seek to know what our gifts are and seek to use them as He desires. This is not a great mystery. It merely requires us to set our own desires aside for His.

I pray we all seek to know what gifts we have received from the Holy Spirit. I pray we seek to see how they fit within the church. I pray each one of us will choose to follow Jesus’ desires. Know your gifts. Put your gifts to work for God. Choose to follow God’s plan. See how you fit in the work of God. Do your part within the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12: 7, 11 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.