SOME THINGS TAKE TIME
Scripture Reading--Philippians 2:13
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
Most people are inclined to get what they want when they want it. Toddlers, teens, and even grownups rarely want to wait for anything.
Modern technology has made patience even less attractive. An ATM makes money available 24/7. A microwave cooks a meal in minutes. Cell phones and fax machines enable us to communicate information anytime. Of course, we like all these conveniences because they make life easier--or at least they're supposed to.
The problem is that we assume spiritual maturity works the same way. Just insert your card, punch in the numbers, press a button and--WOW!--God is smiling with approval. We must understand, however, that in the age of the instantaneous, the development of a life that pleases God takes time.
Note two key thoughts in our verse today. "To will" describes what God desires. "To do" speaks of what God does. This verse clearly indicates that God has not only a definite purpose for each life but also a definite plan. We must allow God to develop His plan so He ultimately achieves His purpose.
In high school, I received a button to wear on my shirt. On the button were the following letters:
The problem is that we assume spiritual maturity works the same way. Just insert your card, punch in the numbers, press a button and--WOW!--God is smiling with approval. We must understand, however, that in the age of the instantaneous, the development of a life that pleases God takes time.
Note two key thoughts in our verse today. "To will" describes what God desires. "To do" speaks of what God does. This verse clearly indicates that God has not only a definite purpose for each life but also a definite plan. We must allow God to develop His plan so He ultimately achieves His purpose.
In high school, I received a button to wear on my shirt. On the button were the following letters:
P B P G I N F W M Y
If someone asked me what the letters meant, my answer was, "Please be patient. God is not finished with me yet." The button was a simple reminder that God is taking whatever time is necessary to develop His plan in my life. The finished product will prove that the time at the drawing board and on the work bench was worth it.
EXERCISE: Make a bag of microwave popcorn. While your family is eating the popcorn, ask each family member to share a spiritual lesson God is teaching him.
--Tom Palmer--
No comments:
Post a Comment