DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS
"Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." (Revelations 14:12)
What is the "patience of the saints?" Strong's Concordance gives this definition: "In the N. T. (it is) the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings." It's literal meaning is "to remain under."
We all encounter situations and circumstances which would divert us from our deliberate purpose and loyalty to faith and piety. It is not always trials and sufferings. Sometimes it is the ease of a good life that causes our faith to swerve or be misdirected.
There are two components of the patient saint: obeying God and having faith in the Lord Jesus. They go together like hand and glove. People who lead a good life without faith in Christ are lacking one component. And people who have put their faith in Christ but do not keep God's commandments are lacking the other component.
The patient saint has both. He has an unswerving deliberate purpose to serve God and keep loyalty to the faith. He keeps himself within God's parameters or commandments, and he abides in faith in Christ. It is an intentional staying faithful to the Lord Jesus and His Word.
When I am tempted to stray, either by the ease of a good life or the challenges of trials, I need to remember that God calls me to patient endurance. As Jesus said, "He who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22, 24;13; Mark 13:13). That is what will keep me through the rough times of life.
Love, Dad
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