"Do not fret because of evildoers" (Psalm 37:1).
• Am I envious or jealous?
"Be patient and stand firm. . . . Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged" (James 5:8–9, NIV).
• Am I materialistic? Am I dominated by the spirit of this world?
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above" (Colossians 3:1).
• Have I really dealt with the "secular mentality"?
"For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11, NIV).
• Do I realize that God permits adverse circumstances, irritations, and stress to buffet me in order that through His grace I might learn to transcend self and grow in love and spiritual stature?
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2–4).
Helping Strategy
1. Tactfully ask the inquirer if he or she has ever received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Explain "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.
2. Encourage the impatient person to:
A. Admit having a problem. Impatience is sin and should be dealt with.
B. Identify the areas of impatience and the circumstances that trigger
this negative response.
C. Pray about these circumstances daily:
(1) Confess the impatience as sin, asking God's forgiveness
(1 John 1:9).
(2) Ask God for sensitivity to this area of failure and for help in
bringing it under control.
D. Resolve to work on the problem:
(1) Because impatient people seem to be dominated by a mind-set
which causes them to respond negatively to irritations, stresses, and provocations, the inquirer should be willing to let God work