Imperturbability – the quality of being calm and not easily disturbed or upset, especially in difficult situations. A steady and composed demeanor, even under pressure.
That’s quite the word, isn’t it? I’m familiar with the word imperturbable, but this take on it adds dimension to the word – not to mention it is also a fascinatingly long word!
Norman Vincent Peale shared the importance of practicing imperturbability. Of holding steady despite factors that weighed on you, changes that might happen, or another’s attitude toward you. Our calm and our steadfastness should be so rooted in God that the world doesn’t shake us.
Easier Said Than Done
I love the picture he painted of a solid, secure, surrendered Christian. So expectant and focused on God that changes and interruptions and inconveniences don’t annoy or exasperate but rather they take those things in stride.
And that’s who I want to be! Not triggered or looking to take up an offense, but rather surrendered and at peace. The world will always throw curveballs (is anything ever quite as fast or straightforward as we think it will be?!), changes to expectations, and bumps in the road we didn’t see coming. But practicing imperturbability inspires us to not let it steal our joy. To not set our affections on expectations that shift and change.
Imperturbability is a lot like flexibility, except in addition to handling inconvenience well, it indicates that conflict is also an additional factor. Inconveniences can be, well, inconvenient, at the best of times, But then factor in rude behavior or thoughtless words and it takes things to another level. These are the moments to hold fast to God and His strength. He doesn’t expect us to have the strength to navigate this world without Him – He created us to need Him!
I often find that when I learn something new – such as imperturbability – that I get unbelievable opportunities to practice it. Though it can seem almost ironic, I know far deeper than that it is by design. As we grow in Christianity it is so important that we practice what we learn and then build on it. Easier said than done, but completely vital to representing God well.
Representing God Well
And isn’t that what life is all about and why we’re here? To surrender to self and serve God and others? To realize that we are human representations of the God we serve?
Think about that for a moment. How has your attitude been towards others? How has it been towards those you are closest to? Those closest are often the truest test of how you reflect God. Are you impatient and unkind? Stop and ask yourself why? Is that how God treats you? (of course not, but it is important to look at difficult people and situations from a fresh perspective)
Somehow it seems easier to be kind and patient with people that aren’t in our close circle, strangers or customers. But God sent us the people closest to us very specifically. And it is our God-given duty to treat them well and represent Him well towards them. (If they pursue wickedness, that is another story.) But typically, I’d argue the hardest thing for us is to get past are petty annoyances. And that’s on us, not so much them. We don’t get exceptions about how we are expected to treat people based on how they treat us.
And that’s what I want to really underscore and impress on you today – recognize what your annoyances are with those closet to you and frame them appropriately. There is wickedness that you need to separate yourself from and avoid to the best of your ability. And then there are petty grievances that you need to get over and surrender to God.
When All Is Said And Done
Typically in life I am always thinking ahead. Pondering how I will look back in the future at current situations, figuring out how to best consider things. I try to be intentional because I don’t want to be caught off balance ten years from now and think “why wasn’t I kinder?“. Or more creative, or patient, or fill in the blank.
When all is said and done, I don’t think I’ll ever have to apologize for practicing imperturbability. For pausing and not reacting, for thinking instead of snapping back, for keeping my calm instead of flying off the handle. And do you know, I think each of those choices helps to bring a piece of calm to a situation. And calm helps us remember to let go and surrender, to realize God is in control and the world and people’s choices aren’t a burden we need to bear.
I don’t know about you, but I want to lean in and practice imperturbability. To honor God and grow my faith, to show up better for those I love, and to do my work as a representative of God!
Until Next Time!
Hope.