Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will
perform it until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Phil. 1:6)
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” (II Timothy 4:1-7)
As I write these words, our church is celebrating its 17th anniversary. That's correct, seventeen years ago we held our first worship service and we have not looked back since! God has been with us and blessed us tremendously. As a body, Holiness Tabernacle has learned to trust God "in season" and "out of season". We have looked to Him during both lean times and overflowing times. Through it all we have learned that God is consistent, and we have held on with a determination as the Apostle Paul admonished us to.
Unfortunately, we live in a time when people find it easy to quit – everything but sin that is. We quit on our marriages and we quit on our families. We easily quit on time-tested morals and characteristics such as integrity, honesty, faithfulness and love. Stop and consider for a moment how many people have quit on God and the church. We often have a “here today and gone tomorrow” mentality. We seem to have no sense of loyalty, commitment, or dedication to anything. We have forgotten the day when we walked down the aisle and stood before God and mankind and pledged to love, honor and respect our spouse; to be faithful in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer; ‘til death do us part. Our culture, law and society has made quitting much too easy.
I have read in several periodicals that the average lifespan of a newly formed church is approximately 5 to 7 years. Every year, thousands of pastors give up ministry for a myriad of reasons including discouragement, financial, marital problems, health, and the list continues. Yes…we give up on our marriages, families and ministry. And as a result? This epidemic has impacted our youth.
The high school dropout rate is escalating and the graduation percentage is on the decline. More young men of color are in correctional facilities than in college. This trend is not only appalling, but it is showing no signs of improving.
We have seen our political leaders step down from office when caught in scandals; we have seen professional athletes give up on their teams when it appears as though the outcome of the contest is insurmountable. Worst of all, we quit on ourselves.
How many of us are willing to confess to God (and to ourselves) that we had an idea or plan but when faced with opposition and challenge, we gave up? Perhaps we were active in our local church and for whatever reason we relocated to another region. Upon our arrival, we said within ourselves, "…I am going somewhere and sit for a while". Before we realize it, months or years have passed and we are still spiritually dormant. God is not pleased with us. In fact I am bold enough to assert that the only thing God tells us to quit is sin!
My friends, let us follow the example of the Apostle Paul. While awaiting execution, Paul penned an eloquent and moving statement in his final epistle II Timothy. He encouraged Timothy…and warned him as well. The seasoned preacher told his protégé that tough times were coming, but admonished him to endure. He testified to Timothy that he himself had fought a good fight, kept the faith and finished his course. Consider the works of Paul. Not only did he write more than half of the New Testament, during his lifetime he went on three missionary journeys, ministered to the gentiles, survived a shipwreck and great persecution, and won countless of souls for Jesus Christ. What a record!
My brothers and sisters, be encouraged. If you are experiencing a tough period in your marriage, don't throw in the towel just yet. If you are believing on the Lord to save your family? Don't quit praying. Are you having difficulty at the job or in school? Hang in there a little while longer.
Aren't you glad the Lord did not quit on us? We were sinners and lost. He stood by us when we turned our back on Him. When we weren't committed to Him, He yet loved us. If you have quit, re-engage. Stop making excuses. It doesn't matter what people say or think: only God's work and Word matter. God is going to hold us accountable for the work He assigned to our hands. Be encouraged and don't give up – Finish what you started.
I bless you in the name of the Lord!
My wife Nancy wasn’t able to go to a Worship Center today. I decided to give her a teaching of Pastor Pruitte’s. We had a full prayer and reading of applied words from God in this teaching, “Finish What You Start”. My wife said that what the Word declares was presented to our understanding. She said that such teaching is just what we need.
Thank you, Brother Pruitte, for teaching us from the Word of God!