Just Don't Quit

Old school missionaries didn’t use suitcases.

They would pack everything they owned in a wooden coffin, board a ship, and never look back. They expected to serve for the rest of their lives and be buried in the coffin carrying their stuff.

That’s hardcore.

My parents have faithfully served as full time missionaries for more than forty years. What’s the secret to their longevity? According to my Dad, it’s simple: just don’t quit.

The coffin-packing missionaries, and my steadfast parents have something in common: they recognized that impact is built over decades.

This kind of persistence is a scarce commodity in culture today. The average American quits their job every four years. There can be good reasons to try something new, but real progress cannot be made without consistent, hard work in the same direction over many years.

Ask any world class scientist, artist, or athlete, and they will tell you, the overnight success is a myth.

Deep down, we all want to live a life that matters and makes a difference. Followers of Jesus know this means investing in things that have eternal significance.

If that’s true, why do we so often quit?

Two big reasons:

1) We have a mindset problem.

The modern anthem is this: Do whatever feels good, life should be comfortable, and happiness is the goal.

These are all lies.

I feel like sleeping all day only to wake up occasionally for some Cheetos and a couple of mid-season Simpson episodes, but this is hardly a recipe for significance.

The best things in life are hard. Happiness is fleeting, superficial, and a poor trade for joy.

Christian are as susceptible as anyone to this crippling mindset.

The Apostle Paul warns us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

As followers of Jesus, we run the risk of following the same dead ends. So what does He ask us to do?

He tells us in Matthew 25:24, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

Following Jesus means daily declaring, “Not what I want, but what you want.” It means assuming His call will be costly, difficult, and sacrificial.

Unlike the “me” focused mantras of our day, Jesus’ way will equip us for a life of faithful obedience. The road will be full of challenges, but more rewarding than anything the world could ever offer.

2) Being over doing.

Our world says you are what you do. This is a crushing weight no person can carry.

Faithfully serving Jesus requires a reorienting of the heart towards being over doing.

John 15:5, says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” The key to longevity is recognizing who you are and what your role is - and then surrendering the rest to God.

You are not the vine. This means the power and plan does not come from you. Focus on being the best branch you can be.

Rest, listen, trust, remain faithful. That can feel passive, but it’s the key to long term fruit. If you do this, you will last. If you strive and take the lead, you will wither and die.

Life goes so fast. I can’t believe how many friendships, memories, and experiences in my life happened decades ago! If you are like me, you don’t want to waste your life.

Jettison the me-centered, comfort driven, modern mindset and embrace the narrow road Jesus has for you. Don’t settle for the cheap rewards of accomplishments and success, and instead make intimacy with God the goal. And don’t stop.

Want to make your life count? Find your call, buy a coffin, and get packing!

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To listen to the podcast episode corresponding with this blog, click HERE.