Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Patience: My Problem with God
I have a confession to make. I am very impatient. For example, please don’t pull out in front of me while driving on the road, then slow down. And whatever else you do, please, at the grocery checkout counter, do not take out your checkbook to pay the bill. I struggle with biblical commands in Galatians 5 to exhibit patience as the fruit of The Spirit or my responsibility to exhibit patient endurance during suffering, according to 1 Peter 2.
My real problem is that as much as I believe in God’s sovereignty, I don’t always like it. I struggle with God’s plans, His wisdom, His ways, His schedule, His will for my life. In essence, my problem with patience is my problem with God. But what is ironic is how much God has been patient with me! Romans 2 says God has exhibited kindness, forbearance, and patience toward me. Jesus tells the story of the merciful, patient king in Matthew 18 who forgave his servant. But often, I find myself in the second half of that story where the one who is forgiven does not forgive another who owes him. Colossians 3 says that God’s forgiveness of my sin should result in me showing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward others.
Patience for another, on behalf of another, takes time. Patience allows youth to age, ignorance to fade, and our desire for immediate recompense to be put on hold. Patience is longsuffering. The word “longsuffering” says it all: we are to suffer long, not retaliating when wronged. In our culture, people like the word “tolerance.” But tolerance only says we are putting up with another person. Longsuffering tells us we are in this for the long haul. For Christians, “longsuffering” is to be a fruit of The Spirit.
But if I could ask just one thing? Please don’t bring your checkbook to the grocery store. For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found. [First published at MarkEckel.com]
Published in General
Hah, yes this. And if you must, at least have the forethought to pull it out early and prefill all the known data before they finish ringing in your groceries.
And after you have finished filling up your car at the gas pump with a line behind you, don’t sit there filling out your log book and checking your text messages. Move it down the road.
Sorry boys, if I want to pay for my groceries with a check, then I will do so. The same deal with checking my oil after filling up.
Today, some people even complain when they see the person in front of them use cash. Yes, the extra four seconds it takes to count out change will completely ruin your day.