16 June | EVERYONE
"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32)
It is generally believed that strength and vigor are characteristics of the successful person; however, in Solomon's inspired maxim, patience and self-control are more precious than fortitude and the conquering spirit.
The story is told of a Chinese man who was excited because he had been appointed to a position that involved the exercise of authority over many people. He then sent for a counsellor and asked him to share what quality was essential in the exercise of his new function.
The old counselor looked him in the eye and replied, "Patience! Be patient with your subordinates!" The next day he called him again and the counselor's response was the same. The incident was repeated for five days. Always the same answer. On the sixth day the man angrily rebuked the counselor, "I have grown tired of hearing the same advice," and he cried out, "Have you no other advice?" "Yes," replied the sage, "Patience, be patient with your subordinates!"
Patience is one of the greatest virtues; after all, in a similar but more comprehensive idea, Jesus said one day, "learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29).
There are destroyed lives, broken homes, and ruined dreams due to lack of patience. Emotional intelligence courses teach you that you must be patient, but they cannot make you patient because the source of true patience is Christ.
Take Action
Do impatience and anger sometimes overcome you? Turn to Jesus! Let His hand mold and transform you. Be clay in His hands. He is the heavenly potter who can make you patient. Sing "Better a Patient Person" (if possible, with your family).