Based on Hebrews 2 (New King James Version)
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: ‘What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’ For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.’ And again: ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again: ‘Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.’ Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”
Ronald Reagan said, “We are never defeated unless we give up on God.” Giving up is one of the things that people are usually tempted to do when things get difficult. A lot of people quit on weight loss because it’s too much work, or because they can’t see results right away. A lot of people quit careers because things got rough or just felt like they could go no further. A lot of people quit their jobs because they don’t like their boss, things got too complicated, or just didn’t like it anymore. A lot of people give up on their marriages for many reasons. And many people quit on their faith in Christ because they feel that it’s too hard or because they feel that God has failed them somehow. There is a whole lot of giving up in this world! The problem is that a lot of good things are being given up on.
Not all quitting is bad. As a matter of fact, quitting can be a good thing if a person quits things that are bad for them. It’s good to quit smoking. It’s good to quit all drugs, even the legal ones. It’s good to quit drinking, at least cut down the volume. It’s good to end toxic relationships. It’s good to stop having sex before getting married. It’s good to stop cheating on your wife or husband. It’s good to stop stealing. It’s good to stop doing those things that only bring you temporary and eternal destruction. You get the idea, right?
So, whether it involves good or bad things, the implication of quitting is that it all involves choice. You can choose to stop doing something, or continue to do something; whatever it is. Are all things determined? Is there such a thing as fate (or predestination; a more theological term)? The answer is no. The idea of choice is throughout Scripture; from Genesis to Revelation. Now, major and universal events are set. There is nothing we can do about those things. For instance, the world is heading towards its end, and there is nothing that can stop it. However, where things are not set is at an individual level. Each person has the option to choose. Even in a no-win situation, a person can choose on how they face that situation. And who is to say that a situation is a no-win situation? God raised Lazarus from the dead after being buried for some time. And if we were to die as Christians, that is only the beginning of our spiritual existence. Herein lies the importance of choice and what we do with it; whether we choose to persist in our faith, or give up on it.
Some may say: “So what about those people who have never heard the Truth of God?” And the answer is: “You don’t know what did or did not happen.” And, “Worry more about yourself!” After all, shouldn’t we be more worried about what exactly is going to happen with us personally? It’s only logical, right? The Lord Himself always brings things to a personal level. For He even told Peter to be more concerned about himself than John. For it is written: “Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, ‘Lord, who is the one who betrays You?’ Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’”John 21:20-22.
Throughout the Bible, including today’s passage, we are urged to continue following Christ, to always push forward. That is an act of choice. And with regards to this choice, it is personal. Don’t worry about what other people do or don’t do. The Bible repeatedly exhorts us to remain and keep going; so it’s imperative not to stop. Having said that, it’s not just about coming to Christ and that’s it. According to the Word of God, and in order to get to claim all of the eternal promises, you have to run, overcome, abide, etc. until the end. That’s our part. If you give up half way, then you will not succeed. Stay the course considering what Christ did for you individually! Don’t neglect your salvation! For it is written: “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:5-6. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”Revelation 21:7. He loves you and wants to help you, but it’s your choice to continue. So, shouldn’t the love that God has shown you through Jesus Christ help you keep going until the end? Or, is it not enough for you? Lord bless! John