By Arnie Cole, CEO
Do you know what drives me absolutely crazy about my own spiritual life? I have this tremendous tendency to get so discouraged watching those I love on life-paths without Jesus. It is so hard for me to wait for the Holy Spirit to show up in their lives. I get to the point that I just want to give up trying because what I am doing seems to be making no difference.
Do you experience that? We’re in a very tough position as Christ Followers. We are told to do all that we can, and then…wait.
Kaye responded to a Spiritual Fitness Review that I send to subscribers each week. If you’d like to receive it, all we need is your email and permission (see the reply form). She provided
me with such great insight. She really pinpointed what is missing the most in my role as a disciple maker:
I remember how I was turned off as a lost unbeliever when Christian people would judge me or try to throw scriptures at me. I turned a deaf ear to it all. Never did they show any kindness or love. It was just words being hurled at me. It didn’t work. It took many years for me to finally come to know Jesus.
One lady showed kindness, compassion and love towards me. She told me she was praying for me, and she knew the life I was living (looking for love in all the wrong places). Finally, she helped me be more curious. So, when another person invited me to go to church, I went. And within a month I was saved. That day my life changed, and God continues to work on me every day. It’s all in God’s timing, but if there is no one to show love, compassion or kindness for these lost unbelievers, how will they ever be open to the greatest gift ever, Jesus?
Just think how Kaye’s life would have been if that one lady gave up and never showed her compassion, kindness or prayer support.
I have come to the conclusion that most of us mature believers simply run out of patience waiting for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of nonbelievers around us. My challenge for
you is to take a self-assessment and see how relevant you are in the lives of the people around you. I’ll be sure to share the results and insights with you next month.
In running out of patience, we allow ourselves to become a major tool of Satan. Our impatience may come out as anger or frustration to the point of nastiness. A general complaint muttered about the news, or across the table at a family dinner, may be taken as disgust or even hate to the individual in our life who is struggling. Our anger and frustration chips away at our credibility and makes us irrelevant. Or maybe we are
purposefully choosing to disappear from the non-believer in our life—forfeiting any kind of meaningful role.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21).
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1-2).
These verses emphasize the importance of imitating Christ's actions and teachings as we live for Him. Being patient is difficult. The waiting and watching process takes great faith and
perseverance. From Palm Sunday to Easter, Jesus persevered and actively met each new challenge leading to the crucifixion. And if you read those Gospel accounts, so much of His
perseverance began with prayer.
Please take the self-assessment. Your contribution will help us all as we seek to grow closer to Jesus and bring Him to those who are struggling around us.
PS: Be sure to check out all of the great Bible teaching content at www.backtothebible.org or, from your mobile device, click this link GOtandem from the App Store or Google Play and download our Daily Spiritual Fitness App.