Learning from a Perservering Cashier . . .

Mike Hosey, An Elder

I was at a local store the other day to purchase some needed items.  As I was standing in the checkout line, I noticed that the young cashier was doing his best to serve the woman in front of me.  It was clearly his first day on the job.  In fact, I suspect it was probably his first hour on the job. The woman berated him in his struggles and rudely (in my opinion) called attention to one of his mistakes. It was a simple mistake, and certainly not one worthy of her reaction.

I felt compassion for him. I really did.

But I also knew that if he persevered through the day, that the lessons he was learning in its moments would serve him well in the future. First, the light and momentary suffering he was having to endure in that instance would prepare him for the patience he would need in a future career that likely will be harder and more sophisticated than a local chain store. Second, the trial forced him to exercise humility.  To remain calm, humble and friendly when being jabbed with rudeness was a test of his character. Each time he passes such a test, his character will be strengthened.  Third, strong, tested character produces an expectation in him and in others that he is capable of completing his job’s mission. When worse comes to worse, that expectation will remain as hope, and keep him positive and properly directed.

This is what Paul means when he writes to the Romans that we should rejoice in our sufferings.  He argues that those sufferings produce character, and that the character ultimately produces a Godly kind of hope (Romans 5:3-6).  The Greek word for “character” in that verse means character that has been tested.  Think about it, character that has not been tested by trials and sufferings isn’t the kind of character that will produce effective hope, because until it is tested, it’s just window dressing.

Remember that when you meet trials and tribulations, that God will use those to shape you.  Paul writes to the Philippians that he is certain that God will finish whatever he starts in us (Philippians 1:6).  So endure to the end, and allow God to make you into something mighty for his kingdom.