If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you know that it’s not always easy. Facing the attacks of the devil, the temptations of the world, and the sinful desires of our flesh, we may be tempted to throw in the towel. This wasn’t what we signed up for! But God calls us to be faithful—to obey Him when the sun shines and when the storm pounds. In our prison ministries, we want to stay faithful to God. What will enable us to keep following God no matter what?
What is the secret to staying faithful?
The key to faithfulness is having the right motivation. Here are a few motivations that are not enough to get you to the finish line.
“I keep going because it’s my duty.”
Although duty may motivate us short-term, it is not enough to keep us going. Pastor Jason Homan wrote in his book Before the Box, “Duty is not a motivation in itself; it is the implementation of a motivation. Simply to plod on because it is ‘what I do’ or ‘the right thing to do’…only ends in frustration, anger, and the pain of a broken heart.”
“I keep going so I don’t feel guilty.”
John 8:36 tells us, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Jesus came to give us a yoke that was easy and a burden that was light (Matthew 11:28-30). He is more concerned about our welfare and growth than about how much work we can do for Him. If you are struggling with this, ask God to show you specifically what He wants you to do. Don’t try to juggle extra balls that God hasn’t given you.
To find a sufficient motivation, we need to go back to the apostle Paul. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15,
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
At last, we find a motivation that will sustain us through the mountains and valleys of life. Christ showed His great love for us by coming to earth and dying on the cross for our sins.
When we understand how much Christ loves us, we will be motivated to follow Him faithfully.
The love of Christ is enough to keep you going. It will walk hand in hand with you through the valley of the shadow of death. When you feel trapped in a forest of shadows, it will bear you up on eagles’ wings to soar above your circumstances. When you are too weary to walk any further, His love will gently pick you up and let you rest awhile. This love is enough to last a thousand lifetimes.
If you want to be faithful, you need to understand and accept Christ’s love for you personally. If you haven’t turned from your sin and believed on Christ to save you, you can do that today. Contact us at our prison ministries to learn more. Study what the Bible says about God’s love, and ask Him to show you His great love. Then, go forward to serve Him faithfully.
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Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!
For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
