The society we live in today has become one of instant gratification. We have become dependent on technology and its advancements to give us exactly what we want, when we want. We use dryers instead of clotheslines, microwaves instead of ovens, and cars instead of walking or biking places. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of those things. I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to wanting things as soon as the desire presents itself. Who wants to hang their clothes out to dry? I don’t exactly see myself starting a fire outside under the stars to cook a bowl of ramen noodles anytime soon either. Getting our desires met almost instantly in many cases has become a trademark characteristic of how we live our lives. Allow me to give you an example of instant gratification, and the drawbacks it brings with it, at its finest.
Let’s start with a little background. I used to live in Japan as a foreign exchange student. Let me tell you, Japan is definitely a society of getting what they want, when they want it. At one time, they possibly still do, Japan had the highest number of vending machines per capita in the world. When I was there, I saw a vending machine on almost every street corner, and plenty in between. One time while I was staying in Tokyo for a seminar I got the munchies at about four in the morning. Of course, what is a hungry boy supposed to do when he is laying in bed hungry and two hours stand between him and breakfast? There was only one reasonable response to my inquiry. I had to go to the vending machines. After a short walk I found a real gem. At this machine I got my fix. I got a corndog, chicken nuggets, (complete with dipping sauces), and a cup of hot chocolate and took it back to my room to devour. Take that McDonalds. I polished it off and went to sleep.
By the time six rolled around I was not really hungry. My appetite had dwindled since I had my late night fix. I had not slept well and I was really regretting giving in to my early morning cravings. In lieu of this I still managed to find my way into the dining hall and sit down for breakfast. It was delicious looking. I gazed around the buffet tables and loved what I saw. I wanted that buffet. Now. So I did the only logical thing a teenager who was full would do, I ate some more. In fact, I ate until I was stuffed. Bloated, I walked back to my room to get ready for the rest of the day.
I spent the rest of the day throwing up. I guess a combination of cheap vending machine quick fixes and Japanese buffet style breakfasts do not sit well together. I think it was about that time I decided I should not have indulged myself at four the previous morning. You can call it a “food hangover” of sorts; I definitely learned my lesson about being patient that day. Well, at least I thought I did.
I soon began to learn in various other ways that patience was a trait we Christians were told to bear for a reason. Galatians 5 names it as one of the fruits of the spirit, along with love, joy, peace, kindness, and faithfulness. All of these are noble and important traits, but I want to focus on patience.
Every one, whether they realize it or not, sets timelines for their lives. They set goals and hope to reach them. However, aren’t we told that God is the creator of all things? If we believe God is the creator, we should also note that it is from him we receive our schedules. God has already drafted his ideal timeline for each one of us. He knows the days on which we are to be born, be wed, give birth, and even die. We may want to get what we want when we want it, but it is God who wants us to accomplish his work in his timing. Patience is one key to accomplish these things.
Unfortunately, we don’t always have the patience to wait on this timing God has set for us. If we think God has something in plan for us we want it now. After all, just like my vending machine incident, we want what is in store for us now. We want it now, and our patience had dwindled to a point that we can lose what God has in store for us all because his timing is not desirable to us.
Patience is a recurring theme in the Bible. God wants us to be patient in all that we do. He wants us to exert patience at all times, even when we hurt the most, (Romans 12:12).
It is in our patience that God can really speak clearly to us. I believe God wants us to slow down and be patient so we can hear his voice. I know he has plenty to say to us. We need to be patient and wait to hear from that voice. That is the voice of love. It comes straight from the one who loves us the most. We need to show God how much we love him, and being patient with him and his plans is a great start in showing our love and gratitude. “Love is patient…” 1 Corinthians 13:4.
Patience helps us to think clearly and, hopefully, leads us to consult God more in our decisions and actions. I think it is time to skip the vending machine corndogs of self satisfying timelines, and move onto what God has in store for us in his timing.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
golly tamale is He testing my patience right now…this is very encouraging. thank you.
Wow Justin you defitnely have a gift. i will defitnely not eat from a Japanese vending machine again.
Great way to start my day – especially since no one wants to cooperate with the things that need or should be done.
Well. I am glad that I could help!
Great posts! I really like it.