The power of consistent perseverance
The death and resurrection of Jesus is by far the most significant event in human history.
Yet, it would not have happened if Jesus had not been willing to persevere and stay the course. His prayer in Gethsemane is telling: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” (Matthew 26:39)
There might have been many times Jesus wanted to give up. He was even tempted by Satan himself to take a shortcut to Lordship. Yet Jesus persevered consistently until He could say: “It is finished.”
His life was an example of taking time to minister to the needs of the multitude, investing in the lives of the 12 He would later commission to continue the work while knowing that it all will culminate in Him giving His life was a ransom for all, in the most excruciating way.
In a world of quick fixes and the constant search for shortcuts and hacks, showing consistent perseverance when things get tough, has truly become countercultural.
Just as in the life of Jesus, we too need to consistently persevere in doing things that are not easy but hard. Reflecting on Jesus’ suffering and His call to us to do the same, here are a couple of areas in which I feel challenged to persevere:
Spending time with those who don’t know Jesus
Sharing our faith has never been harder. Not only are people generally more resistant to “religion” and the institutional church, but we ourselves may also quickly begin to spend all our time with other Christians. Building trust relationships with the lost, through which we can share Christ takes time and we may easily be tempted to give-up on them.
The reward of not giving up, however, is eternal: joy in heaven over one person who comes to repentance.
Spending time investing in developing true community
Building a truly united community has also never been harder. The rushed pace of life coupled with cultural and political polarization and the constant pull of spending more and more time on our mobiles, keeps on eroding deep meaningful relationship. It is sad when you look at people going out for dinner and then they only look at their screens the whole evening. While technology has brought us closer, this does not necessarily translate to deeper and more meaningful relationships. Authentic fellowship has never been more important than now as we seek to make disciples and mentor leaders. The reward is a community whose mere love for one another translates to Christ being revealed.
Doing the “work” of the ministry
Congregational growth and effectivity bring with it an increasing demand on more efficient administration and other work that does not seem all that spiritual. During COVID, so many congregations had to quickly learn to be “leaner” as income fell, while also learning to use new technologies. There is nothing more thrilling than running out of space but together with the possibility of a new building, whether being rented, built, or bought, come endless budget meetings, management sessions, etc.
I confess that many times when the numbers do not add up or practical challenges keep on popping up, I feel like giving up. Yet when Jesus prayed to His Father, He confessed that He had not lost one of those the Father had entrusted to Him. (John 17:12). This speaks not only of spiritual protection but of faithful stewardship.
The reward of faithful stewardship and work is a powerful witness in a world full of corruption and scandal.
Our ministry responsibilities are all different and with those differences come a myriad of challenges and their corresponding temptation to give up or at least, take shortcuts.
During this Easter Weekend let us remember Jesus’ example: “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross.” (Hebr. 12:2 NLT).
On the other side of the perseverance in doing the work, fellowshipping, and witnessing awaits eternal rewards and the joy of being the Church that Jesus wants us to be.
May Jesus’ example inspire us to persevere and remain steadfast during these times.
Werner Swart
Senior Regional Coordinator
