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“"Part 1 of Paul's Job Description: in Great Endurance"”

Thoughts for Today:

Paul is beginning a rather lengthy list and description of the qualities and situations through which he demonstrated his personal qualifications for ministry. I wonder how many young men and women would decide to enter the ministry, if "his job description" was on the application form? I can guarantee you that many of us would think twice before we applied.

The first quality Paul lists is "great endurance" or patience. However, that is not the quality most ministers would list first. They might list courage, or boldness in sharing the Gospel. I think the reason patience tops the list is because it reflects our personal maturity. (James 1:4: "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.")

If you asked my wife about my own patience she would tell you I can be both extremely patient and extraordinarily impatient. It depends on what it is. It remains something I regularly work on. However, the capacity for great patience/endurance/perseverance (all synonymous terms) must head the list of virtues present in all ministers of Christ. Why? We will soon see, but let me give you a hint -- it has to do with how we deal with the obstacles we almost invariably encounter as servants of God.

Questions to Ponder:

I think we all know we need patience in driving, finding a parking space, or waiting in line at the grocery store. I personally can use a little more patience with the person in my Bible study who asks too many questions. Do you consider patience/endurance/perseverance to be a "finished work" in your life? I certainly don't. What area do you need help in?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.