In many ways our world has come to a screeching halt. Suddenly we no longer have instant access to anything we want 24/7. Suddenly we have discovered we are not as in control of our lives as we thought we were.
This is a shocking revelation to most of us. We don’t like having our plans ruined, our freedoms limited, and our future in jeopardy.
Our natural reaction to all this is impatience. We are:
- Angry at the impositions and inadequacies of government edicts
- Frustrated at our lack of control
- Anxious about the many unknowns ahead
- Stressed over responsibilities and goals we can’t achieve
- Outraged by those who aren’t following protocols or are using loopholes unfairly
None of those responses will help us persevere and thrive amidst the trials.
A better way: Patience
I am reminded of the movie Bridge of Spies, which is about the trial of a captured Soviet spy during the Cold War. [Interesting, well-acted, based on a true story, but with salty language, so some will find it offensive.]
From the beginning, there is little question of the spy’s guilt, yet he remains calm throughout the story. Several times throughout the movie, the lawyer (Tom Hanks) asks his client if he’s worried about what is about to happen. Each time, the spy calmly replies, “Would it help?”
Obviously not.
I don’t recommend choosing a spy as a role model, but I do aspire to that character’s patient outlook during times of trouble.
In times of uncertainty, patience can be our bedrock
The early church fathers extolled patience as the “highest of virtues.” They and their fellow believers faced uncertainty, injustice, and active persecution. A lifestyle of patience sustained them through the trials.
Patience can sustain us as well.
The kind of patience I am talking about is much more than calmly waiting in line at a busy store. I am talking about a lifestyle of patience. As the early fathers described it, a lifestyle of patience embodied many of the other virtues, such as love, kindness, generosity, humility, and perseverance.
Our ultimate model of patience is Jesus, who demonstrated patience during his time on earth and talked about in his sermons. Patience is a lifestyle that:
- Does not worry, because we are confident that God is in control, so we don’t need to be. It sounds trite, but I think this situation is a teaching us that we don’t actually wield much control over our lives. We can either choose to trust God, or live in a constant state of stress as we strive to control things beyond our power.
- Is not in a hurry. We may be eager for the virus to go away so we can get on with our lives, but the virus isn’t going to magically disappear. Patience allows us to accept today and make the best of it instead of wishing for a tomorrow that may or may not come.
- Turns the other cheek. In other words, patiently facing injustice and unfairness without demanding our rights or pursuing punishment for those who harmed us. The kind of patience that Jesus displayed on the cross when he prayed forgiveness for those who killed him! This kind of patience is not natural. It is countercultural and impossible without the Spirit’s power. But it promotes peace, kindness, and forgiveness instead of discord, jealousy, and bitterness. Which attitudes will help us cope?
- Enables gratitude, generosity, and perseverance. Patience gives us perspective. It helps us see the good amidst the bad. It helps us give what we have generously instead of worrying whether we will have enough later. It helps us persevere because we know that regardless of what happens today, our ultimate future is assured.
- Is rooted in love for others. Jesus modeled patience despite those who mistreated him, ridiculed him, ignored him, or rejected him. Why? Because he loved all mankind, despite our many shortcomings. So to close my thoughts on a lifestyle of patience, I leave you with this inspiring reminder.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
As you go about your week, whenever you feel yourself getting all stressed, worried, or frustrated, stop and ask yourself, “Will it help?”
May your patience increase this week.
This is exactly what I need to hear today. I feel restless beneath all these changes – changes I have no control over. Thank you for this positive message.
You’re welcome. I think we all feel restless. I know reading about patience inspired me to face these tough times with less complaining and more faith.