In today’s society the term “Christian” often gets used as an adjective. We have Christian music, Christian books, and Christian schools. However, in the Bible, the term “Christian” is never used as an adjective; it is always used as a noun. And what do nouns need in order to make sentences? Nouns need verbs, and the same is true of your discipleship. In other words, to be a Christian requires you to add some verbs to your faith. Today, we examine one of the verb that James indicates we need to add to our faith.
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.“
– James 5:7-11