Endure: Press Upward and Onward - Part 1

Value clarification and renunciation are teammates. Value clarification is necessary when facing conflict and difficult choices. Renunciation compels us to forsake sin and deny Satan access to our lives. Renunciation demands the abandonment of the broad, easy way Jesus said leads to destruction.

Renunciation is emboldened by godly values, as 2 Corinthians 4:2 implies.  “We have renounced secret and shameful ways. Neither do we use deception to distort the word of God. By setting forth the truth plainly in God’s sight, we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience." In moments of weakness we’re tempted to take the broad and easy way by acting as if we’ve never been redeemed.

When and if this happens, pledge to forsake sin and deny Satan access to your choices. Permit God's grace and mercy to restore, reclaim, cleanse and forgive you completely. With this renewed determination, endurance and moral character grow stronger. That's good news!  

Endure: Don't Give In or Give Up - Part 3

Numerous examples of endurance derive from exceptional individuals who are handicapped. I sat beside a young woman in a college class and did not discover she was severely hearing impaired until the end of the semester. She took notes by reading the professor's lips. Can you imagine being deaf and attending a state university and being an A+ student?

When I'm faced with situations requiring value clarification and perseverance, I’m reminded of this young woman. Jesus' words from Matthew 7:13 speak to the issue. "For the gate is narrow and the way hard that leads to life, and those that find it are few." Every worthwhile endeavor may have a narrow gate and eventually require endurance.

The temptation might be to give up because the way is difficult. The alternative is to look for an easy way, the path of least resistance. Jesus was offered this alternative, but chose instead the narrow gate, leading to the cross. Consider the consequence for us, if he had chosen the easy way.