Never Give Up

As seen in the HEARTbeat and Village Voice

“Never Give Up”

            How many times have you heard the phrase, “Never give up!”  More than likely it came out of the mouth of a coach, a mentor, or even a parent.  How about, “Quitters never win.”  These are phrases that should motivate us to “keep on keepin’ on!” (Had to throw that one in).

            In life we set many goals.  We achieve some and others are allusive for one reason or another.  With each trial or journey we learn our strengths and our weaknesses.  Any good coach will tell you to work hard on alleviating your weaknesses and your strengths will follow.  As a junior high basketball player, one of the major weaknesses a coach will realize is the ability to dribble the basketball without looking at the ball.  I can remember clearly our coach using some old black plastic glasses without lenses (the ones you see a nose a mustache attached to), and would cover what would be the bifocal area with sport tape.  It forced you to look up as it eliminated the area within the peripheral field of vision where the basketball was located.  It developed a weakness.  While simple, the principle was ingenious.

            As Christians what is our goal?  It is the same goal Jesus gave to His apostles just before He left them for the final time at the ascension.  We call it the Great Commission and it reads, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  These are our marching orders!  But some might say in response, “I’m not good at marching.”  I would respond that no soldier is good at marching.  It takes hours of practice during basic training to move as one unit.  The same is true for Christians moving “as one unit.”

            Witnessing is hard and can seem defeating.  We hear no after no in an effort to follow through with Jesus’ mandate.  I can only advise you to learn from the “Nos” and strengthen your witnessing weaknesses.  The other thing I would say is never give up!

Jesus gave us many examples to live by, but one sticks out more than others when it comes to witnessing.  He gave us the greatest example of patience.  The Pharisees tested Jesus at every turn.  They confronted Him, argued with Him, and even used their own laws against Him.  You or I would wash our hands of the whole group, but not Jesus.  He exhibited patience with Nicodemus and eventually his impact was seen in the Sanhedrin.  Pharisees were even converted at the raising of Lazarus from the grave.  Jesus never gave up hope on winning over the Pharisees – as individuals!

Have a friend who just won’t listen to you talk about Jesus.  Win them over with your actions, your love, your patience, and with your prayers.