Hurry! (Bulletin Article for November 4)

Our time is described as “the fast track.” The news is made up of “sound bites.” We have faster internet service, instant coffee and fast food. Everything seems to be rushed today. Was our life meant to be so hurried all the time?

God doesn’t count us as more valuable (or more spiritual) just because we can do some things more quickly than someone else. In fact, there are many things that take a great deal of time and commitment to achieve. One of those things is developing a good character. It takes a long time to develop because (1) we will fail often in our work, and (2) there are many and varied aspects to developing character.

Have your Bible open to James 1. Notice how many things are in that one chapter that deal with what kind of character God wants us to have.

• We should be able to endure trials (1:4).
• We should trust God, knowing that He will provide for our needs. We should also be willing to ask Him for help (1:5-9).
• We should have the ability to decide between good and bad and, then, make the wise decision (1:12-16).
• We should be willing to give generously to others, just as God has given to us (1:17-18).
• We should listen well and respond appropriately and thoughtfully (1:19-21).
• We should be workers, and those actions should help others—not just ourselves (1:22-25).
• We should value and help those who are in need, especially those who are often “forgotten” by society (1:26-27).1

While some of the things on that list may be easier for you to develop, growing in all of them takes time. Of course, there are other things we must do in order to grow in character, too.

In a world that wants to rush everything and get it all done “now” (or, yesterday!), some things still take time. Each of us should make a point to take some time each day developing our character. If I want to be pleasing to Him, it is going to take a life-time commitment on my part to grow. But knowing that I am pleasing God will be well worth my time.

(1) Adapted from The Word in Life Study Bible, page 2250.