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How To Keep From Falling
By Roy Beasley
Winston Churchill was a very old man. Shortly before his death, he was invited to give a
speech at a school where he had once attended as a student. Because of his failing health and
old age, his family and advisors discouraged him from accepting. But, he was determined. He had
to be assisted to the podium. His aids were apprehensive. He was feeble and had to lean heavily
upon the podium where he stood for a while without saying a world. The audience was quiet. You
could almost hear a pin drop. Finally, he spoke. Here is what he said: “Never give in. Never give
in. Never. Never. NEVER!” That was entire text of his speech. It had to do with the secret to his
success. He never gave up. He was determined. He was persistent.
Persistence may make the difference between success and failure in the Christian life as it
does in everyday life. It is composed of several attitudes:
| 1. Determination. Like Paul, our goal should be the “prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14) We must set our course. We need to know from God’s Word where we are going and how to get there. Thus, we develop confidence to keep on going in spite of dangers and set-backs. We just keep on fighting the good fight and keeping the faith, and we will finally finish the course or win the race. That is determination. |
| 2. Patience. Patience is willingness to keep on going in spite of difficulties or temporary set-backs. This is one of the “Christian graces.” (2 Pet. 1:6) It is a willingness to work hard and endure now for rewards that are somewhere in the future. This attitude is a mark of maturity. Children want instant gratification. A mature person, however, is willing to wait and work toward some important goal in life. |
| 3. Pride. There is nothing wrong in a person taking pride in his ability and
accomplishments. The pride “that goeth before destruction” (Prov. 16:18) is boastful arrogance. The pride of a winner, though, is a quiet, inner satisfaction in knowing that he has done his best and that his achievements are worthwhile. |
| 4. Courage. One needs courage to take calculated risks. Jesus talked about the cost of discipleship and the necessity of counting the cost. (Lk. 14:28) The twelve did this and were willing to pay the price. They left all to follow Jesus. (Mk. 10:28) Since then, countless others have done the same. They have taken the risk. |
| 5. Habit Formation. Persistence must be practiced repeatedly until it becomes
automatic. Then you never even think of giving up. You just automatically keep on going and going and going until you reach your goal. |
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