A New Year's resolution ...

To be a better Christian in 2009, practice these two great two virtues of life ...

Patience and wisdom

Wisdom is said be the application of knowledge. We all know that a skunk will spray anyone who intrudes on his space. It's a wise dog who patiently waits for the skunk to finish eating.

Here's what the Epistle of James has to say:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5-7).

and

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand (James 5:7-8).