These last few days have seen several (actually five) visits to two Home Depot stores in Philadelphia.It all started... when Wendy and I agreed we had to do something about heating the room in which we spent most of our evening time. It's nigh on impossible to heat that room, the central air makes little impact and the electrical system will not carry an effective electric space heater. So... let's think creatively about a propane heater.
#1 heater failed and had to be returned though, I'll admit I 'probably' didn't follow directions too well;
#2 was clearly a dud and
#2 was clearly a dud and
3# is working now (please Lord let it continue).
The other visits involved refund of extended warranty but enough of that!
So, on my most recent visit I began to muse, "So, Alan, when does tenacity and perseverance become obstinacy and stubbornness?". I'm not sure what the criteria are to judge that question though a friend helpfully pointed out that when you begin to ask the question then it's probably time to stop and reflect.
Tenacity or perseverance is definitely a Christian virtue and many other spiritual paths also praise the virtue; in Hebrews we are told "consider Jesus who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame" - now there's tenacity. Perhaps many Christians wavering on the nominal/active boundary need to take this virture to heart far more seriously.
And yet there are times when people need be released from a commitment to tenacity - the person who has suffered abuse for too long needs be encouraged to consider that maybe now is the time to withdraw.
Basically, the Lord would have us be happy people and maybe that's a simple and radical criterion to use - yes?
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