Spiritual Lessons during Commute
It is no secret that the Philippines is jammed with traffic problems. This is due to an increasing number of vehicles, infrastructure issues, and more and more people venturing to large cities. James 1:19-20 says that we should be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,” but we all need to admit that being stuck in traffic or encountering different troubles during our commute can be infuriating!
But it is the little rages within us during our commute that can tarnish the spiritual life that we are trying to maintain.
The Bible reminds us to find beauty in unpleasant situations. Here, we look at three points that may help you convert those minutes and hours of sitting, standing, walking, or otherwise traveling during your commute, into a time that honors God.
1. Patience is key
The difficulties we face today pale in comparison to what the people in Biblical times endured. They did not have paved highways, trains, bridges, and other facilities that makes travelling easier. Jesus travelled far and wide, but he rode on donkeys and boats and he even braved the wilderness on foot.
One way to build up your patience during your commute is to pray before stepping out the door. It says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that we should be prayerful at all times and not cease. Ask the Lord to give you the patience and the strength to tolerate the hurdles that will make your commute time even longer than usual.
2. Kindness goes a long way
Every day can feel like a competition where you will have to go against other people just to secure a seat or a place in line. While it is okay to go “all out” just to ensure that you reach your destination on time, intently obstructing or bumping people in the way is not reflective of a Christian life.
Keep in mind that people might also be as disgruntled as you. As someone who has the Spirit of God, find ways to make the journey a more pleasant experience.
Learn to be kind in any way – be it giving your seat to the elderly, helping someone up the stairs, or just smiling to people you bump into. Kindness begets kindness and you might be making someone’s day with a simple kind gesture.
3. We need God… especially through the everyday and ordinary
The Bible says that we should honor Him in everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31) and yes, that includes navigating traffic. Do things with a glad heart and a spirit that exalts His Name.
We can also fix our gaze on the Lord (Proverbs 4:25) and constantly be communicating with Him as we commute. Do this through silent prayer and reading of His Word (Joshua 1:8). We can easily practice this during a commute by pulling out our Bible to read it on our phone app, as well as listening to worship music in our earphones.
Sometimes the struggles in life are preparing us for the things that God is calling us to do. Try to lighten up as you face the exhausting challenges in life – you just may find the journey more pleasant and… even enjoyable.
Union Church of Manila is an international Christian church in Makati to which you can easily commute. For directions or for other inquiries such as spiritual assistance, please call (632) 812-5609.
But it is the little rages within us during our commute that can tarnish the spiritual life that we are trying to maintain.
The Bible reminds us to find beauty in unpleasant situations. Here, we look at three points that may help you convert those minutes and hours of sitting, standing, walking, or otherwise traveling during your commute, into a time that honors God.
1. Patience is key
The difficulties we face today pale in comparison to what the people in Biblical times endured. They did not have paved highways, trains, bridges, and other facilities that makes travelling easier. Jesus travelled far and wide, but he rode on donkeys and boats and he even braved the wilderness on foot.
One way to build up your patience during your commute is to pray before stepping out the door. It says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that we should be prayerful at all times and not cease. Ask the Lord to give you the patience and the strength to tolerate the hurdles that will make your commute time even longer than usual.
2. Kindness goes a long way
Every day can feel like a competition where you will have to go against other people just to secure a seat or a place in line. While it is okay to go “all out” just to ensure that you reach your destination on time, intently obstructing or bumping people in the way is not reflective of a Christian life.
Keep in mind that people might also be as disgruntled as you. As someone who has the Spirit of God, find ways to make the journey a more pleasant experience.
Learn to be kind in any way – be it giving your seat to the elderly, helping someone up the stairs, or just smiling to people you bump into. Kindness begets kindness and you might be making someone’s day with a simple kind gesture.
3. We need God… especially through the everyday and ordinary
The Bible says that we should honor Him in everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31) and yes, that includes navigating traffic. Do things with a glad heart and a spirit that exalts His Name.
We can also fix our gaze on the Lord (Proverbs 4:25) and constantly be communicating with Him as we commute. Do this through silent prayer and reading of His Word (Joshua 1:8). We can easily practice this during a commute by pulling out our Bible to read it on our phone app, as well as listening to worship music in our earphones.
Sometimes the struggles in life are preparing us for the things that God is calling us to do. Try to lighten up as you face the exhausting challenges in life – you just may find the journey more pleasant and… even enjoyable.
Union Church of Manila is an international Christian church in Makati to which you can easily commute. For directions or for other inquiries such as spiritual assistance, please call (632) 812-5609.