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 Jesus
told His disciples, "In your patience possess ye your
souls." Is there something here for me? (Lu. 21:19)
To
"possess" here means to "gain" or to
"win"; and refers to the preservation or saving of the
soul. In the immediate context it may have reference to escaping
alive out of the destruction of Jerusalem, for that was under
direct consideration. But careful study of the word
"patience" will convince us that this is essential to
the building of character and eventual salvation of the soul in
eternity.
"Patience"
gives many the idea of repose; calmly, even phlegmatically
waiting for the traffic light to turn green. But this is not its
real meaning. Coming from a word meaning "to abide
under" it more nearly corresponds to
"steadfastness" or "endurance"; or our
coined word "stickability." In the larger sense, we
can save our souls only by being faithful to
the death. (Rev. 2:10)
Patience
is a virtue, added to our character as we grow spiritually. (2
Pet. 1:5-11) It must be developed, built up and strengthened;
and this requires exercise. Our physical muscles will not
develop properly unless pitted against opposition. We improve
flabby muscles by lifting weights, knowing that as we overcome
an opposing force we prepare to meet greater future obstacles.
Patience needs much the same sort of exercise.
"Consider
it a joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials;
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And
let endurance have its perfect result,
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that you may be perfect (mature) and
complete, lacking in nothing." (Jas. 1:2-4, NAS) These
verses refer not to the temptations that are due to man's own
lust but to external trials that discourage, dismay and buffet
us. And they affect not a fixed, unchanging truss, that bears a
weight or is broken under it, with character unaltered; but
these trials affect a living, pulsing, vital faith; that is made
stronger, more mature in nature and character, as its sinews
flex to meet the challenges of life.
Patience
is not the brute strength to "take" punishment, nor a
"thick skin" that may indicate only an insensitive
nature. "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for
your faults, ye take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and
suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with
God." (1 Pet. 2:20)
When
our sense of justice is outraged; when we are reviled, and our
instinct leaps to fight a carnal battle, then patience is taxed.
Remember, "hereunto were ye called: because Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow
his steps." (1 Pet. 2:21-25)
By
"patient continuance in well doing" we shall find
eternal life. We must "hear the word, keep it, and bring
forth fruit with patience." It is with patience we must
"run -- the race that is set before us." (Rom. 2:7;
Lu. 8:15; Heb. 12:1)
How
challenging the words, "IN YOUR PATIENCE POSSESS YE YOUR
SOULS."
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