We become discouraged in our souls because of these events, but it is not as bad as those in the book of Hebrews were facing. The Hebrew writer says in Hebrews 12:3-4 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. (NKJV) We have not yet shed blood for the cause of Christ, but there are plenty of opportunities to become weary and discouraged in our souls. So what do we do? What can we do to maintain our faith, and to grow more like Jesus?
When a team is playing poorly, the coaches often try to get the team back to the basics - whether in football, basketball, baseball or soccer. Sometimes the team is trying to make big plays, but what has to be learned is that you do the basic things well; not forgetting them, and then work on the other things. It is consistency that makes a team a winner.
The same is true when it comes to Christianity. When we hit the low points in our Christian walk we must get back to the basics.
WE NEED TO GET BACK TO THE CROSS. Jesus' death on the cross, and his subsequent resurrection, is the foundation of Christianity. When we put Jesus on in baptism, why did we do so? Did we respond in love to this great love story that shows how much God wants our fellowship? Or were we motivated by something else? Beloved, if our motivation for becoming Christians was anything but the cross, we can count on the fact that we will grow discouraged and we will want to quit. But if our Christian life is founded upon Jesus, and striving to build a relationship with him, then we will work at it. What does it take to build that relationship? Love for the Lord that manifests itself in Bible study, prayer, faithful attendance to the assembling of the saints are some of the basic things we need to do and be faithful in when we grow weak and discouraged.
WE NEED TO FOLLOW JESUS. Jesus set the example for all of us (1 Peter 2:21ff) that we can do the Father's will and serve him. He did not show us it would be easy; he did show us that it could be done. As Jesus was talking with the disciples before his death, he stated, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:10 NKJV). He set the example - we need to follow him. Beloved, what would happen if we really followed Jesus, and pointed the way to him? What difference could we make on the world?
Yes, when we are discouraged and weary we need to get back to the basics. I am not sure about you, but this will keep me busy for some time!
WELCOME TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL BE WITH US THIS EVENING FOR WORSHIP! WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE!
Tommy Tidwell
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