Basic HTML Version
The Perfect Work of Patience, March 5
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing.
James 1:3, 4
.
The apostle says we succeed in the grace of temperance that we may
add patience. Patience under trials will keep us from saying and doing
those things which will injure our own souls and injure those with whom
we associate. Let your trials be what they will, nothing can seriously
injure you if you exercise patience, if you are calm and unexcited when in
trying positions....
We can see the wisdom of Peter in placing temperance to be added
to knowledge before patience. This is one strong reason for overcoming
the appetite for all stimulants, for as the nerves become excited under the
influence of these irritating substances, how many and grievous are the
evils that are done! ...
There is necessity for the Christian adding patience to temperance.
There will need to be firm principle and fixedness of purpose not to offend
in word or action either our own conscience or the feelings of others.
There must be a rising above the customs of the world in order to bear
reproach, disappointment, losses and crosses without one murmur, but
with uncomplaining dignity.... A petulant, ill-natured man or woman
really knows not what it is to be happy. Every cup which he puts to his
lips seems to be bitter as wormwood and his path seems strewn with rough
stones, with briars and thorns; but he must add to temperance patience
and he will not see or feel slights.
Patience must have its perfect work or we cannot be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing. Troubles and afflictions are appointed unto us, and
shall we bear them all patiently or shall we make everything bitter by
our complaining? The gold is put into the furnace that the dross may be
removed. Shall we, then, not be patient under the eye of the refiner? We
must refuse to sink into a sad and disconsolate state of mind, but show
calm trust in God, counting it all joy when we are permitted to endure
trials for Christ’s sake.
[71]
72