One of the greatest hallmarks of spiritual maturity is the ability to win the long range battles of life not just the short range battles! The ability to love over a great expanse of time not just when it’s convenient! The ability to give over a long epoch of time not just when it’s convenient! The ability to support and remain loyal over a great chasm of time not just when it’s convenient! The ability to walk with others through their difficult and painful times over a vast breath of tears and confusion not just when it’s convenient! The ability to rejoice with others in their blessings; praise their accomplishments and achievements; in an unfeigned manner, to sincerely be happy for their well being over a mighty stretch of time not just when it suits us and we want to be seen of others! The stark and sobering reality for every believer is this, namely, that no matter how lofty, exalted, and high we ascend before the Lord if we can’t win the long range battles of life satan is fully aware that we may win the short range battle and be free for a day and yet lose the long range battle and be held captive in our hearts for a lifetime! (Another oil point from Theology Nation) *
-Bishop Dr. Guy A. Cox