In our study on what constitutes a SMART Christian after reflecting on the first four alphabets of the acronym SMART, let us today focus on the final alphabet
T-TENACITY
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7)
Let this truth be burned forever into the “hard disk” of your spirit. Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon race when it comes to tenaciously clinging onto the saving faith (Rom 10:9-10). Last-minute transformations like that of the repentant thief on the cross are more of an exception than the rule. Banking on the joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we need to display a dogged determination like Apostle Paul did in the face of many an adversity (2 Cor 11:23-33) and carry on importantly (I should add) with a thankful heart (Acts 16:16-25/1 Thess 5:18) borne out of love for the Master, remembering too that better things await us in Heaven (Rom 8:18/1 Cor 2:9/Col 3:1-2).
Here I am reminded of a touching incident involving popular British Prime Minister of yore, Sir Winston Churchill. One day, in his last few years, he was invited to speak at a valedictory meeting in a British university. Due to a mishap with his car, he arrived during the last few minutes of the meeting. There was no time for a long speech but he was invited onto the platform and asked to say a few words. In his gruff manner, he looked over the audience of young graduates, paused for a few seconds and boomed “Never give up.” He paused for about thirty seconds and then said, “Never, never give up.” Finally after a much longer pause, he shouted “Never, never, never give up!”…He then sat down but the audience rose to give him a standing ovation.
Carry on Christian (no pun intended)…meanwhile no harm in doing a honest reality check…art thou a “SMART” disciple of Christ…(Acts 11:26)!!!
Prayer: Father, we are live or die for Your Glory alone. Enable us to bring Glory to Your Name and joy to Your heart at all times. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan
J and SM Ministries
(Please click here to access the rest of the S.M.A.R.T series.)