| 2 Peter 1:5-8- “‘…try as much as you can to add these things to your life: …faith…goodness…knowledge…self-control…patience…service for God…kindness…love. If all these things are in you and they are growing, then these things will help you to never be useless.” |
We are a society of impatience, always craving instant gratification. Gone are the days when we would patiently watch the TV “warm up.” Waiting is no longer in our vocabulary. We demand everything to be instant – instant cooking, instant service, instant everything. Even young people in their 20s yearn for a house as grand as their parents could afford in their 50s. But let’s face it, some things simply take time.
Leonardo da Vinci understood this all too well. He lived by a motto that can be translated as “Stubborn Rigor” – a reminder to persist and never give up.
Benjamin Franklin also discovered the truth in the virtue of patience, chipping away at life bit by bit. At the tender age of 20, he decided to become the best version of himself possible. And so, he developed a list of 12 virtues, dedicating each month to mastering one of them and diligently tracking his progress.
These virtues included temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, and chastity. Every morning, he would write down his plan to work on a specific area, and every night, he would reflect on his achievements. Franklin soon realized that personal growth is a slow and challenging process. There were times when he excelled, and times when he stumbled backwards. But over time, he witnessed real progress, and perhaps he grew a little too confident.
It was then that a wise Quaker preacher suggested adding a thirteenth virtue to his list – humility. Franklin acknowledged that his pride often obstructed his path to self-improvement. Although he never fully lived up to his highest ideals, Franklin’s daily practice transformed his life.
The Bible teaches us that we cannot attain instant Christian character. It requires more than just listening to a sermon or attending a class. It demands diligence. Peter, in his instruction, urges us to diligently add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. He emphasizes the importance of these qualities growing in us in increasing measure. It may be slow and methodical, but it builds strength over time. (2 Peter 1)
Let us not strive for instant character, but rather for a character that blossoms day by day. Let our lives reflect a continuous growth in maturity. What can you do today to add to the person you already are?
Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
