The pressures of the world cause us to want things to happen quickly. As the old adage goes, time is money. Hence, we act, often in haste, before things have come to a state of being fully ready to optimize results. Like eating fruit before it is ripe, sometimes we have to wait for the appropriate timing of things to realize the full benefits. Waiting, however, does not imply inaction; but moving steadily, diligently towards the goal; maintaining endurance.
RELEVANCE
Jesus shared a word about the value of patience in the context of the parable of the sower.
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest” (Luke 8:11-15 NLT).
He illustrated a key principle: a certain amount of time is required for God’s truths to be fully absorbed into our mindset. Hence, we can abort or inhibit the growth process and our productivity by not appropriating sufficient time to grow/produce in God; or endure with diligence, optimizing results.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Think about the time and effort you exert towards learning, growing and doing. Ask God for the right balance and priorities. Consider how much more value can be realized through patient, continuous endurance at the task.
REFERENCES
Romans 15:4-6; Colossians 1:9-12