Being able to endure is not only a virtuous thing to do; it is an extremely high-leverage trait. In other words, patience is a trait that energizes us and imparts a strength that empowers all the other characteristics we are to add to our faith.
God lets us to experience seasons of trial and testing, but we must make the choice to yield to the disciplining effect of difficulty. “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4).
It’s a privilege to have the relationship that we do in Christ. So when we are tired, let’s look forward to being together. It may take extra effort to get there, but when we make the effort, we find that there is no better refreshment in the world.
We may not easily relate to the task of the men who were sent to spy out Canaan, but we have some daunting responsibilities of our own. May we learn to trust the Lord as Joshua and Caleb did, both when it is “safe” to do so and when it is not.
God is to be taken seriously, but it must also be a part of our concept of God that He will help us do whatever is pleasing to Him. He loves us more than we know, and we will never be in any situation where His help is not available to us.
When God judges us, we will have to account for our use of all that He blessed us with. For those who have lived selfishly and used their blessings simply to enhance their own lifestyle, that judgment will be a time of tremendous regret.
Learning from our mistakes, listening to others’ advice, and paying attention to our conscience seem like simple things. Yet we often fail to do them. And when we fail to let ourselves be warned, we lose much of the benefit of wisdom.
The gospel includes some facts that must be believed, but the faith we must have involves much more than mental assent to the truth. It means trusting Christ enough to obey Him, and it is this combination of trust and obedience that pleases God.
Let’s grow in our appreciation of the eternal life that is available in Christ. To know that we are bound for heaven gives us a meaning and an importance to life that we could not have by any other means. This is a treasure not to be taken lightly.
Our eternal destiny will be the completion of whichever path of growth in our character we’re choosing right now, whether good or bad. Heaven and hell will simply be the end of the road we’re traveling by the decisions we’re presently making.
