Perseverance

https://odb.org/MY/2022/09/05/lego-lessons

One of the traits we must all have as believers is perseverance. We have heard of the phrase and we know that Christian life is not a bed of roses. In fact, in a question we discussed at our Young Adults bible class just yesterday, we realised that there is more trouble after we come into the faith. Not that God brought more problems to us but with Kingdom principles to follow, some things become more complicated than before. For example, we may be able to hold a grudge for a wrong done to us previously, but now we need to forgive and sometimes these situations add complexity to our relationships as forgiving others is not an easy task. Yet we know that we could do it because greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). We are able to overcome our weaknesses and follow the way of the Kingdom because Christ is with us, the Holy Spirit lives in us and empowers us.

It is nevertheless not an easy task to become more like Christ each day, to cultivate and reap of the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. It is a process and a life long one. We are transformed and changed from glory to glory. Bit by bit, we need to allow ourselves to be transformed to the image of Christ. It needs perseverance. We must toil through to become who God wants us to be in Him. Not an overnight thing and will certainly take a lifetime but we must start somewhere and progress on. We cannot be a believer and disciple of Christ if we remain our old self for too long. Christ needs to be real but He will not force us. We need to respond to Him. We need to persevere on.

Life with its many toils and struggles, storms and upheavals will not make it any easier for us to be a better Christian. Not that anything is on purpose but the world is never neutral. It is exacting and not forgiving. Everyone is after his own interests, his own KPI. So if we are a casualty or in war-speak, collateral damage – the world will not bother. The wheels of life will turn. But Christ cares, God cares and that is why we must persevere on in our faith. Events in life will unfold but it is how we respond in our faith that matters. Will we hold on to God? Will we cling on to our Lord Jesus? Will we hang on to the boat as it battles the waves and storm? Will we not let go and persevere on? James is right, only with perseverance will we build character. See James 1:4. We need to let perseverance finish its work so we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Persevere on and we will one day receive our crown of life (James 1:12)!