Never Give Up

Sometimes it takes real determination and stamina to keep on task. School children across the country are getting out for the summer after a year of work. They are sensing the excitement of completing another level in their educstional goal. Our perseverance is often related to the value of the task.

A man joined a monastery with the understanding that he could only speak two words once every five years. They expected him to put forth some effort to make his task a success. At the end of the first five years he met with the head of the monastery and said his two words, "Hard beds." Five years later his words were, "Bad food." and after fifteen years his two words were, "I quit." Now that was some valiant effort that was defeated only due to inconvenience.

In a cartoon a frog is being eaten by a pelican. The frog is completely inside of the pelican's mouth except for two legs which are desperately grasping the pelican's neck. The caption said, "Never give up." Now that frog was fighting for something he really valued - his life.

In the spiritual realm our view must be on more than just relief from an unpleasant task or convenience. Our battle is for spiritual victory. The results have eternal complications for us and those who observe us and follow in our footsteps. We must never give up.