NEVER GIVE UP: Part 3

Not all of the rewards God promises are reserved for the sweet by and by. God offers us many rewards along the way, which we can experience now. Each time we master a skill or overcome a difficulty we experience the joy that comes from knowing that we succeeded. It is like an actor winning several Oscars during his career and then winning a lifetime achievement award. The smaller wins made the big win possible. God promises us many rewards if we will continue to run the race.

“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

    So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:32-36 NIV)

            In the movie Dead Poets’ Society John Keating (played by Robin Williams) taught his students to experience life not just observe it. That movie popularized the Latin phrase Carpe Diem; Seize the day. We can be observers to life or we can become actively engaged in life. As we run the race of life we need to seize the moment. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 NIV)

            Paul tells us to make the most of the opportunities life affords us. There are times in life when we are unable to act, but in most cases there is something positive we can do. This is not an issue of acting only when it is convenient. Too often we use this as an excuse for not getting involved. “Well I didn’t have an opportunity to serve.” What that usually means is that it did not fit into my schedule. What Paul is saying is seize the moment to make a difference. We are faced with opportunities every day to be the presence of God in someone’s life. God wants us to make the most of those opportunities.

            The investments that we make in the lives of others are the only investments that will last for eternity. All of the investments that we make in this material world will one day pass away. The efforts we make to touch another life with the love of Christ will pay eternal dividends. Paul reminds us that we should begin with those closest to us and work our way out. Sometimes those closest to us are the hardest for us to see, because we are so familiar with them. Our hearts can be captured by the plight of people half way around the world and miss the need standing right next to us. We overlook them because they are too close. God has placed people into our network of relationships so that we can invest in their lives. These close relationships are the foundation for whatever other investments we may make.

            Doing good is not always heroic or profound. Most of the good we do will take place in small ways in our routine lives. A recent commercial demonstrates this principle in a very effective way. They show one person doing a simple act of kindness, which inspires another person to do another simple act of kindness. This is continued until it comes full circle back to the person who started it. Once a person’s eyes are opened to the possibility that they can make a difference, opportunities to do good become far more evident.

            In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus makes it clear that we are called to be His presence in our world all the time. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 NIV)

            We are involved in running the most important race of all. There will be times during the race when we are tempted to give up. We may even find ourselves crying out, “Lord, I’ve had enough. Just take me home!” But Jesus’ message to us is clear and consistent. Don’t give up. God’s message to Joshua as he faced leading the people of Israel into the Promised Land is still applicable to us today. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV) Our race is not over. There is still much territory to cover. But we can be assured that we will win the prize if we do not give up.