Complacency vs. Patience Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Complacency vs. Patience ----------------------- Date: 06/24/1999 Keywords: "fruit" "patience" "Spirit" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. eXXit advertises itself as a Web site designed to help you "stand strong in the face of sexual temptation." In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists nine "fruit of the Spirit," fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of the believer. Each of these fruits — if produced — will greatly aid a believer who seeks to "stand strong." At eXXit, we believe that: The fruit of the Spirit is produced in the life of a healthy Christian, just as apples appear on a healthy apple tree. If there is any love or joy or peace in a Christian, it is ultimately the work of God. Christians can cooperate with the Spirit's desire to produce His fruit in their lives by yieldedness, faith, obedience and involvement in ministry. We hope you enjoy and benefit from these meditations on Galatians 5! Send us any feedback. We'd love to know what you think. Passage: Galatians 5:22-23* 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Questions 1. What is the difference between complacency and patience?   2. How does complacency keep porn strugglers from victory?   Practical help Some porn strugglers wrestle a second enemy: complacency (lack of urgency or confidence). "Victory over porn will have to wait," they tell themselves. Other porn strugglers never give in to complacency but patiently fight the good fight. The difference between complacent and patient strugglers? 1. Complacent strugglers are unconvinced of porn's folly, whereas patient strugglers have no doubt. 2. Complacent strugglers think the battle is futile, while patient strugglers don't give up hope. 3. Complacent strugglers may never see victory, but patient strugglers stand a good chance of experiencing it. How to switch from complacent to patient? 1. Ask God to make the swap for you. He specializes in delivering patience (see verse 22 above). Click here if you're unacquainted with him. 2. Recognize the folly of viewing porn. If the foolishness isn't apparent already, read through the Book of Proverbs, and ask God for patience to comprehend the damaging effects of porn. 3. Ask God to renew your hope for victory. Such hope may not come overnight. Again, ask God to give you patience as you wait for it. If these suggestions lead you to depend more on God and less on your own efforts, it will be a significant step toward ultimate victory over porn. Even if you have to wait a while for it. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 1999 by eXXit * Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version, © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.