Date: 11-12-14
Text: — James 5:7-9 — 7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! [NIV84]
The Big Idea: Delaying gratification is a very large component of growing up and maturing.
In this series through the Book of James, we have been focusing on “Families growing up in Wisdom.” But, what does it mean to grow up? What does it mean to mature? Well, adding years to our age is definitely not one definition of maturing or growing up.
But, lifestyle worshipers, have you discovered that delaying gratification is a very large component of growing up and maturing? I have, and another way to put this in a word is: Patience. The more patient we are with people, circumstances and ‘things’ the more mature we are. So, to me, the more patient I get the more mature I become….
But what is “patience”? What does this look like? Does drumming our fingers, tapping our toes and clicking our tongues need to be eliminated? I think there is a necessary element of calm in patience, don’t you. Let’s talk about what patience really is, and then maybe we can capture a little more what growing up is, don’t you think? Your thoughts?
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
— Luke 21:17-19 (NKJV)
—Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV84)
Lord Jesus Christ, I put You on as Slippers of Patience, In Your Name, Amen.