Are You Determined to Serve the Lord?

Press on.
Nothing in the world
Can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not;
Nothing is more common
Than unsuccessful men
With talent.
Genius will not:
Unrewarded genius
Is almost a proverb.
Education will not;
The world is full of
Educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination
Alone are important
-Anonymous

Many things could be said about the apostle Paul. Certainly the fact that he was a determined individual could top the list. Look at his determination before his conversion (Acts 9:1-2), and after his conversion in (Acts 20: 17-24; Philippians 3:12-14). We should strive to instill such determination in each of us for it should characterize the life of every Christian (2 Peter 3:14).

Before we go on any further, let’s look at the definition of the word “determination.” Webster’s 7th Collegiate Dictionary defines it like this...1. Decided, resolved. 2. Firm, resolute. Joseph was all these when he chose not to sleep with Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39: 8-10). When King Darius was persuaded to issue a decree against prayer to any god or man, except him, Daniel was resolute in continuing his prayers to God despite the threat of being thrown into a lion’s den (Daniel 6). Nehemiah was determined to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem despite great opposition to do so. Needless to say that Paul demonstrated great determination in both text and life.

We too must be determined to do the right thing. Many are determined but not for the right thing. They are simply determined to: do as they please, get their own way, do evil, even though they know better; have preeminence (3 John 9); and to keep traditions (Matthew 15:3). Determination must be guided by the word of God (2 Peter 1:5).

So what must we be determined to do? To start with, how about knowing more of the word of God? (Hebrews 2:1-3). Since it (the word of God) is our guide, we must be familiar with it. Psalms 119: 105) tells us it is a lamp unto our feet. (Psalms 119:104; Ephesians 3:4) tells us that it gives understanding. It also makes one approved (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 1:10). Determination allows us to grow as a Christian (2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2: 1-2). Just as there are two elements necessary for human growth: food and exercise; the two elements for growth as a Christian are: love and stand for the truth (1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:10).

Determination allows us to serve the Lord faithfully (1 Corinthians 15:58). This requires self-denial (Matthew 16:24-25). Service to the Lord is not something you do one week and forget the next (Galatians 6:9). And lastly, all Christians should be determined to go to heaven (Acts 20:24; Philippians 3:13-14).

Dear friends, if you are determined to go to heaven, you will be determined to do all the things necessary to get there. Remember, the grace of God and our determination will get us there. Also, we must be resolved to do the will of our Lord. If we are not determined to go forward, our spiritual condition will deteriorate. Speaking for myself, I am determined to do the best I can for the Lord. Are you?

Prayer:

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, For all the benefits thou hast won for me, For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, May I know thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, And follow thee more nearly: For ever and ever. Amen

May God bless you,

Mary Beth