DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PATIENCE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – PATIENCE

" We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.' For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:1-4)

It's confession time. God's word has a way of hitting me right between the eyes and convicting me.

"Scruples" is defined as a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action. It is evident that Christians have different perspectives of what is permissible in the Christian life – areas such as dancing or drinking wine. We do not all have the same convictions. God calls us to be patient with people of different persuasions.

One of the many areas I have personally struggled with is this arena of relationships. Too often I have expected people to live up to my standards without considering where they are on their journey with Jesus.

I think of my children who did not always live up to my expectations because of their level of maturity. They were not able to please me because I had the bar set so high. At the time, I rationalized that it was for their good to develop their character, but in reality, it was to satisfy my own expectations and reputation in the community.

I think of the people I pastored. When they did not live up to my expectations, I was disappointed, and tried to make them conform to my desires.

I think of my poor wife, who wanted to be her own person, not the clone of my imagination.

God is gracious and helped people overlook my lack of patience. But it still makes me pause and question whether my attitudes toward other people are for their growth or to please me.

God's word is written for our learning, to help us grow in patience and in hope, and Jesus is my example. He put aside His own pleasure for me, and in love covers a lot of my personal weaknesses. Hopefully, I am farther along in my own personal development than I was a few years ago. God is so patient with me. Oh that I could be that patient with others.

Love, Dad