It's not about how well you begin, but how you continue. Many runners at a track meet or marathon start out with their best energy, only to become winded and lag behind or quit before the race is finished. Endurance is the key.
"If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8.31-32)
I've seen new believers, wet from the waters of baptism, bristling with spiritual energy and determination to make a difference for Christ and the kingdom. Sadly, some quickly faded because the experience of that moment was the only real energy they had. Those who were wiser devoted themselves to spiritual disciplines and allowed God and Christ to mature them. These continue to run the race with endurance.
There is no substitute for continuing in the word of Christ, which is also the word of His Father (John 5.30). Unless we incorporate His words into our lives, we will not endure long as His disciples. We cannot profess to be His disciples if we are not increasingly becoming familiar with Him through His words! And doing so is not burdensome, because we come to know and experience liberating truth.
Honestly, how much time are you spending reading, studying, and knowing Christ's word? Hopefully we can each answer in a positive way. But, if we know we are inadequate in this area, now is a good time for a mid-course correction. Today can be the day that we resolve to truly continue in His word, know the truth, and be liberated through it. This moment affords each of us a wonderful opportunity to develop endurance that will carry us to the very end of the race, with no reason to be ashamed.
©Steve Taylor, 2017 --Used by permission
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