Keep Walking—The Value of Perseverance
The Value of Perseverance
Perseverance in undervalued. It's a virtue that gets ignored. It's not glamorous and may seem boring to some. Perseverance is underrated, but it shouldn't be. It's a valuable virtue.
Perhaps it's viewed as underachieving or being stuck in a rut. But that would be inaccurate. Perseverance is all about strength and endurance.
Persistence is often valued and seen in a better light. It's a sought-after quality in business and sales. And yet, persistence and perseverance have synonymous definitions.
Both words speak of continuing on in the face of adversity. Persistence and perseverance are highly valued in athletics and science, as they should be. When it comes to faith, God highly values perseverance, and so ought we.
Scripture Text
For a short time our fathers disciplined us as they thought best. Yet, God disciplines us for our own good so that we can become holy like him. We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right. [vss 10-11]
Strengthen your tired arms and weak knees. Keep walking along straight paths so that your injured leg won’t get worse. Instead, let it heal. [vss 12-13] (Hebrews 12:10-13 GW)
[Context– Hebrews 12]
Key Phrase
Strengthen your tired arms and weak knees. Keep walking along straight paths.
Digging Deeper Into the Text
What are we told about discipline and fathers? What was your experience with this as a child?
How is God’s discipline described, and what is His intended purpose for disciplining us?
What is the intended fruit of God's discipline?
How is the final exhortation in this text expressed? Does this figurative language make sense to you?
Things to Consider
Over the past few generations, various “experts” have taken various stances on disciplining children. Typically, it vacillates between permissiveness and strictness.
I grew up when permissiveness prevailed. It was the Doctor Spock era (not related to Star Trek). When Susan and I began parenting as newbie believers, a very strict discipline regimen was in vogue. We tried to find a balanced approach in our parenting, which seemed to work.
I’ve seen a similar swing from permissiveness to strictness regarding spiritual discipline in the church. We see this in what’s tolerated culturally, but more importantly, it reveals how we value and view personal discipline in our lives.
Sadly, we hear of moral failures of leaders, and many wonder why. The reason goes back to a lack of discipline and accountability on the part of the leader themselves, and other leaders around that leader. Too often, when disciplinary action comes, it comes late and is often weak in its effect.
None of us would choose or embrace correction or discipline willingly. Thankfully, God is both merciful and gracious. If we don't pursue spiritual discipline for ourselves, He provides the means for us to receive it, as said in a previous devotional.
When we embrace God's discipline applied in our lives, it benefits us. Then we mature and grow spiritually. When we resist it, then we get stuck in a rut and underachieve, or worse, we fall into moral or ethical failure.
When we persevere during trials and tests in life and keep walking in straight paths, it will bear peaceable fruit in our lives. So, persevere and keep walking by faith.
Answer These Questions to Apply God’s Word in Your Life
How have you seen God bring correction and discipline in your life?
When have you experienced the benefit of perseverance in your walk of faith?
In what ways do you pursue spiritual discipline in your life now?
Where have you seen the direct result (fruit) of God's discipline in your life?
Here’s a link to a free study guide for the book of Hebrews— Study Guide and Study Questions for Hebrews
