New year, new you

That phrase you usually hear a lot this time of year. It brings a lot of questions to mind for me. Exactly how quickly do we expect change?
For many of us, especially as a spoiled American, we want things right now. Immediacy makes its mark on those of us who prove to be impatient — about everything. Even fast food is not fast enough any more. Why?
First Corinthians 4:5 says: “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.”
First Thessalonians 5:14 says: “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
God’s Word tells us to be patient, but oh, how sorry we are at this task. There’s been an increase in cases of road rage, school shootings, murder-suicides, etc.
Recently the International Christian Concern ranked the world’s worst persecutors as: North Korea, Iraq, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Iran, Eritrea, China, Vietnam, and Pakistan. The report was issued on the ICC web site www.persecution.org.
Please pray about those who are being persecuted. We have representatives in a lot of these places, people who risk their lives and their families sharing about Jesus.