“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I have met a number of pastors who ran cross country or track during their high school years. Everyone who has done so knows the primary difference between doing a 100-yard dash, a 440-dash or being able to run a mile or more; the difference is endurance. The Scriptures regularly remind us not to become weary in doing good; in other words, “don’t quit” (Galatians 6:9). We are people, with Jesus, who endure.
Endurance is a quality consistently found among spiritual leaders. If resilience is the ability to “bounce back from a setback,” endurance is the ability to keep going regardless of obstacles or pressure. People who endure know what they believe and they have deep conviction about these beliefs. If we know our beliefs and values, we can make good decisions over the long haul. For example, if we value generosity, personal health, and honesty, as a leader these values, over time, will come out in the decisions we make.
Spiritual endurance also requires learning how to calm our spirit. Leadership can be difficult under any circumstance, but leaders who endure have learned how to calm their spirits even when they face setbacks and pressure. They have learned how to listen to Jesus say, “come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). If you have been running for a long period of time, your heart may need time to rest. Both your physical heart as well as your spiritual one.
As leaders, we cannot live with low-grade anxiety all the time, without it robbing us of inner joy and peace (John 14:27). This is why Jesus offers us His peace – peace with the absence of fear and the absence of a “troubled heart.” Jesus teaches us that worry is a complete waste of time (Matthew 6:25-34). If we want to endure, we must focus on what we can do and then leave the rest to God. The result is always “joy that is complete and full” (John 16:24).
Thanks for enduring! Thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:
1. mobilizing everyone in unity
2. blessing your community
3. bringing people to Jesus
4. becoming Christlike disciples
Also, thanks for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved.
Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene