I persist to develop holy habits

What really is the point of persistence in the face of ongoing struggles? Is it just to endure more pain and agony? Is it to storehouse pride so when I "arrive" I can boast in my longsuffering? Why press on when the certainty of facing additional obstacles lies ahead?

Persistence is the pathway to holiness. Too many times I catch myself believing that my position of Christianity affords me leisurely access to righteousness and purity. Then I am jarred awake from my fantasy by the onslaught of pain, struggle, and confusion life is certain to bring. And I realize I must persist if I expect to reap the fruit of holiness in my life.

Pressing on in the face of difficult circumstances is a key attribute of becoming more like Christ. Of all the human beings that existed, Jesus Christ displayed endurance and persistence uparalleled by the rest of humanity. Beaten, spat upon, flesh ripped from his body - all for offenses He did not commit. And then the ultimate rejection. God, the Father, turned His head as the Son of God bore alone the weight of all our sin. Unbearable pain such as this would cause the strongest men we know to throw in the towel long before even reaching the cross. Yet, Jesus persisted. And what was His gain? He is seated at the right hand of God, and one day every knee will bow and tongue confess that He is LORD.

So, what's in it for me if I cultivate an attitude of persistence? First, I grow in intimacy with God, for I am becoming more like His Son. The ultimate desire God has for my life is not my personal satisfaction but rather to see an ever-brighter reflection of Himself in me. He must increase, I must decrease. It takes persistence to overcome the natural tendency toward pride.

Another great benefit I gain when I learn to persist is that I am storing up a great wealth of treasure in heaven that cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed. Jesus promises that those who share in His suffering will also share in His glory. To endure through ridicule, rejection, and persecution is to invest in eternal glory.

I get tired sometimes, just as you do. I wake up some days without energy, enthusiasm, or even faith. I grow weary of battling the same temptations and lusts. But I remember the goal of my life and as I look in the mirror I pray that I will see more of Jesus and less of me.

Persisting,

jonathan