At the onset of Pilgrim’s epic journey to the Celestial City, (Pilgrims Progress) he is directed to the Interpreter’s house, where he is given a number of visions. In one of the visions, Pilgrim sees two boys sitting; the one’s name is Passion and the other is Patience. The governor of the boys exhorts the two lads to wait for the turn of the year to receive their full inheritance. Passion says, "Not so – I’ll take mine now!" In the vision, Passion is brought a bag of trinkets and tricks and pleasures that delight his soul. He then turns upon Patience, mocking him and deriding him as he gleefully relishes in his gifts. As the vision continues, Passion begins to lose some of his glee and in a short time is looking sullen and very unhappy.

The vision is then interpreted: Passion represents the children of this world who are living for this life; and demand their good things now. However, as time continues they are saddened because they see their plight for the future, and all of the good things will soon be forgotten.

Let us take this vision a little further: Let us apply this to the children within the kingdom whose passion cannot be contained for God’s time and purpose. These are ones that reject the disciplines of the Word and the Spirit, who compromise many standards for temporary blessing and quick success. Even churches can fall into this category – churches that deny any form of chastening and demand their good things now. They may even mock those who patiently wait for God’s approval. Friends, the real blessings are reserved for the people that have allowed patience to do her perfect work (Jas 1:4) – these are the people that can be entrusted with the true riches.

Let us not be like the "Passion Church" who bloom overnight and relish in the (transitory) blessing. May we find the grace to sit until God is satisfied with our lives, so that the blessings we emit reflect our Father in Heaven.