by Brian Walters, Director of Adult Ministries @ MBC Loudoun

This past weekend Jim preached about The Potter and the Clay from Romans 9:15-21. This is a sermon not to be missed because it speaks to a foundational truth of God’s Word and provides us a great reminder that God is the true Potter.

One thing that really stuck out to me in Jim’s sermon was when he mentioned that our culture today is very human-centric. Meaning we have become a culture that is all about “self.”  If something inconveniences us we get upset because it throws a kink into how we believe our life should be.  We believe we have the right to be happy all of the time when the reality is that God does not promise us this kind of life and it is He who chooses how to shape and mold us (Isaiah 45:9; Rom. 9:21).

As I chewed on this point while driving to work I wondered if I put others first in my life, even over my own needs and desires. Then I came up behind a car that was driving the speed limit and I got upset with the driver. Right then the Holy Spirit convicted me on this frustration, saying “why are you upset Brian?  Is it because this person inconvenienced you? Is it because this car got in your lane? And didn’t you JUST get a speeding ticket a few weeks ago?”  Ouch and Ouch!  Yes, its true, and I confess that I can be a little hardheaded at times. :)

At this very moment I realized that “YES” I do have a “ME” mentality that is focused on what pleases me and makes me comfortable. There is nothing wrong with someone who is obeying the law and in fact, it is what I should be doing. I should be thanking this person for setting a good example. In this moment I realized the reason so many of us struggle with patience is because we hate it when things don’t go according to our plan, our schedule and our reality. We forget the world doesn’t revolve around us and we are quick to elevate ourselves above others.

My point is that we all need to examine our lives and search our hearts and ask ourselves “am I too centered on me and not enough on others?” If Christ laid down his life for us (Rom. 5:8; 1 John 3:16), putting aside all his wants and needs for the benefit of the entire human race (Phil. 2:3-7), we as Christians should model this type of love and selflessness to others too. So the next time you lose your patience with someone ask the Lord to show you why.

So what area of your life do you need to be less focused on yourself and more focused on God?