Whatever happened to passion and determination? Are they still alive and well? The very fact that some speak of their extinction speaks volumes about where their focus is set. It is when we lose sight of these that we must question our own spiritual driving forces.
Running toward the prize is not the same as having the prize in hand. Much energy may yet have to be expended between now and then. We are saved by grace, but that does not negate the effort required to persevere through trials and temptations. Free salvation doesn’t remove the effect that this free-will world has upon us. Setting in for the long haul is a given, and this requires patient endurance on your part.
Too many brethren lack tolerance at the most basic of levels. Anything they consider as overly inconvenient or uncomfortable is met with protest. Anything seen to be blocking an otherwise trouble-free church experience is sighted as justification for quitting. Thus, millions of living rooms around the world are littered with ex-Christians who have snatched themselves off the Narrow Road and thrown themselves onto their sofas with TV on and heads bowed to their cell phones.
Jesus was just too much effort for them. The faithful persevere. They bless when cursed; they forgive when wronged, they learn when criticised and they rebuild when wilful sin destroys. It is to the crucified Christ that they look for inspiration. “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil.2:8).
Churches enjoy good seasons and endure bad ones. You and I can make the good ones better and the bad ones more endurable by staying in the race. Patience is essential to remaining on course. Without it you will be reduced to a snail’s pace and will wander off into the world.
Endure to the end – its worth it!
John Staiger
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