Steadfast and Unwavering

With spiritual maturity should come a steadfast approach to life. Believers are not meant to be in a constant state of turmoil and despair. We should not be agitated and upset every time some small thing doesn't go our way. Instead, we should be "rooted and grounded in love," (see Ephesians 3:17) a state of being which leads to less stress and lower blood pressure, generally better spiritual, mental, physical and emotional health.

When we are not burdened with the mindset of needing to have a frantic response to the most mundane problem, life is much more pleasant and rewarding. Why do we choose to give in to turmoil? Most everyone knows, at least from past experience, if not current standing, how exhausting real-life melodrama is, and, additionally, how draining it is be around individuals who seem to always be living on the edge of disaster.

Those of us who claim to have Jesus as our example, can look to his life and see a quiet resolve in his attitude and approach. Yes, he did have moments of impatience and did not shy away from confrontation when a situation warranted a strong response. But complaining and frustration about the minor inconveniences of everyday life are not the pattern we see in the life of Jesus. And I try to remember that when I'm standing in line a little too long for my liking, and the person in front of me has three different orders and two forms of payment.

The reason I need to relax when I'm the one at the back of the line is because I've been the person holding up the line, and that's just how life goes.That's the give and take of it. I never try to intentionally ruin anyone's day with my actions, and I need to remember other people aren't trying to ruin mine, either. If we could all be better about giving others the benefit of the doubt, if we would extend more mercy and grace, if we could try to understand other points of view, even when we don't agree, the world would be a much calmer place.

Remember, "the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." (James 3:17) Let us seek to have that kind of steadfast wisdom.