The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
"Patience and Pride"
Our memory verse this week speaks to an interesting issue.
"The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit" (Ecclesiastes 7:8).
In the present world, Solomon's affirmation does not always seem to be the case. The proud accomplish much by their self confidence and determination to make a name for themselves. This leads to benefit for themselves and for others, and their doings are often substantial and effectual in this present life.
The patient in spirit, those who "wait on the Lord," also do much, but may sometimes seem to accomplish less of present worth (Psalm 27:14). Their doings involve the benefit of both the world of now and a future realm to come. Thus, many of their accomplishments may not be known until another time and place when all shall be weighed in the balances by the One who will perfectly evaluate that which bears eternal value.
"He shall judge the world in righteousness, He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness" (Psalm 9:8).
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is" (I Corinthians 3:11-13).
As the patient in spirit seek to glorify God and "do good unto all men," their doings bear great benefit in the present world (Galatians 6:10). Believers do most of the same things as unbelievers in the function of normal living. All is done, however, by seeking to follow our Lord's guidance and will for our lives. This sometimes applies restraint unknown by the proud who "have their portion in this life" (Psalm 17:14). Our portion, conversely, involves both this life and the next. We therefore seek to be as much present and practical benefit as possible, and as God wills. However, we know that things to come bear far more consequence for others and ourselves. Solomon, in the wisdom given to him by God, well knew this truth and reality that "the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. May we know it as well.
"Let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful."
(Titus 3:14)
"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."
(I Thessalonians 5:15)
Weekly Memory Verse
The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
(Ecclesiastes 7:8)
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