In Paul’s letter to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, he writes:
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness”
(1 Timothy 6:11 KJV).
To know what the Apostle wrote to flee can be seen in the previous verses. However, my focus is not so much on fleeing, but rather, pursuing. Or as the Scripture says, to “follow after.”
The connection in fleeing and pursing is most interesting. Kenneth Wuest translates it: “But, as for you, O man of God, these things be constantly fleeing. But be as constantly eagerly seeking….”
My “translation” would be, “run towards righteousness, godliness, etc., just as hard as you run away from those other things.”
What made Paul’s list so intriguing was his charge to pursue patience. I understood constantly seeking all the others—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, and meekness.
…But to pursue patience?
That’s like “hurry up and wait;” busting it to get to the airport three hours early only to kill time in lines, uncomfortable chairs, and over-priced food.
Patience, in the New Testament, is translated from two different Greek words: hupoménō and makrothumía:
Hupoménō means to persevere, or to remain under, a bearing up under, patience, endurance as to things or circumstances. It refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial.
Makrothumía focuses on being long-suffering or enduring towards people.
Paul uses both words to describe himself in his second letter to Timothy: “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering (makrothumía), charity, patience (hupoménō).”
However, hupoménō is the word used in 1 Timothy 6:11.
Thus, my charge is to pursue patience by being steadfast in the faith.
Oswald Chambers wrote:
“Patience is not indifference; patience conveys the idea of an immensely strong rock withstanding all onslaughts.”
I so want to be stronger; I want to be steadfast like the rock of Gibraltar.
How I want to be a stone that pursues the Rock!
