I once heard a teacher suggest that the “gateway” virtue is PATIENCE.
Meaning, if we develop patience, all the other Christlike attributes, such as faith, hope, and charity, naturally fall into place.
In a divine sense, this makes sense.
Because cultivating patience means acknowledging that God is in control and that Jesus saves us.
It means setting aside our pride in thinking that we know best and using humility to admit that God’s timing is better than ours.
But no one really loves being patient.
(My kids will tell ya that, that’s for sure!)
Patience is tough.
After the eager Oliver Cowdery was given permission to translate the gold plates (not just scribing, but actually translating!)…
The Lord revoked that permission for the time being.
The Lord told Oliver,
“Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.” (D&C 9:3)
Being patient, even when we don’t understand or like the reasons why, is really the ultimate Christlike act of faith.
“Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father.
“Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God.
“Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His”. – Neal A. Maxwell
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
