Whether it’s losing weight, saving money, or trying to develop a new habit, we often give up because we don’t see results fast enough. In much of the western world, we are programmed for immediate gratification. I read recently that in the United States, 70% of economic growth comes from consumer spending. The huge advertising and marketing machine that creates discontent and demand for all those goods and services keeps our companies growing, salaries rising, and taxes flowing into the bloated government. This seemingly endless shopping spree exposes a lack of contentment.
But it also reveals we believe we deserve more. One would like to blame the media, but ultimately, we all want one thing or another, and we want it now! A book I’ve been reading on reducing clutter suggests that much of our insatiable acquisition occurs not for the benefit of owning the purchased object itself, but rather for some feeling which it promises to deliver (i.e. happiness, acceptance, respect, etc.).
Our impatience doesn’t stop with the material or the emotional, however. It can even extend to the spiritual domain. For example, some pastors focus more on church growth, on filling the pews, than on helping their current members grow and mature. I’m just as guilty of wanting instant gratification. As I teach, I want feedback and affirmation. And I want to see results! Did they change, or do I hear them singing the same tune the next day? If I pray for people, I like seeing them healed on the spot. But it doesn’t always happen that way.
And in spite of God’s record for faithfulness, I get impatient for fruit in my own life. I read the book. I said a prayer. When will I see the transformation I desire? But fruit doesn’t come immediately! I can’t sow a seed and the next day eat from a tree that sprouted, flowered, and bore fruit overnight. When rearing children, it may take decades before parents see fruit. Whether teaching, writing, talking to someone, praying for them, whatever, it is through faith and patience I will see the promises of God manifest. I need not constantly inspect for fruit or question and judge myself just because the desired outcome takes longer than expected!
The farmer planting seeds never frets because he finds no fruit the next day. He understands and accepts the lengthy process. His plants always sprout in due time because he invests in good seeds. Likewise, the sower, or believer, who plants good seed–the seed of the Word–can rest well at night, knowing God’s Word never returns void. lt sprouts and comes to maturity, and bears fruit without fail. Therefore, we meditate, we memorize, and we eventually mature by nurturing that infallible seed.
As God promises, So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
Wonderful reminder, JB! And efforts will often not bear fruit even in our own lifetime! God’s perspective is larger and longer than our own. Planting, watering, tending, protecting — according to His instructions — is the best and ONLY thing we can do. We cannot “cause” something (or someone) to grow into maturity. Thanks for sharing your thoughts in words.