Discipleship

Determination is the ability to make difficult decisions and accomplish God's goals based on the truths of God's Word, regardless of the resistance that may be encountered. It is the ability to set ourselves toward Godly pursuits, and not allow ourselves to be distracted or discouraged (Psalms 33:15; 119:29-30; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 4:7, 8; Hebrews 12:12-13).

Weakness, Discouragement, Powerlessness, Giving Up, and Faintheartedness, are the opposites. These dire mindsets will allow you to give up way too soon, when all you had to do is hang in a bit longer. These characteristics lead you to distrust God's provision and forbid others to help you. If you are not determined to exhibit character, the rotten works of Galatians 5:19-21 will find their way in you and even take you over!

In 2 Timothy 4:7- 8 and 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul looked back on his life of perhaps over thirty years of toil and struggle as a follower of Christ. He used the language of an athlete who has won the event. And, he applied this analogy to our true purpose and reward. In ancient times, the reward was not a medal or money as it is now, but rather a crown made of olive branches, and the respect of the people. Paul knew his reward was to come in the form of righteousness, which is far more valuable than any earthy prestige or reward. So, his eyes were on Christ and the goals God gave him. He did not allow suffering, failure, prison, or any other obstacle to thwart God's purpose in his life and mission. To see someone like Paul, who was an ordinary person, stay the course and persevere through all impossible obstacles, should give us inspiration so that we can do it too! The key principle for Paul was to guard his faith from anything that would turn it from God; so must we. We cannot let our setbacks, the discouragement of other people, or our own disregard of a problem hold us back from obeying and finishing well for Christ's glory.

Righteous Determination requires our persistence to overcome barriers that hold us back--those that can be overcome by more effort, right thinking, clear goals, and help from others. Obstacles that are wrong, misplaced, or laden with sin are the ones to hurdle first. We are to honor obstacles and the timing that God gives, and not rush through with matters to which we are not called, or are not ready for. Our study of His Word, our prayer life, and listening to good, godly advice will be our keys to unlocking the right doors and making sure we do not open the wrong ones. Our Determination needs to be governed by righteous desire, commitment, and dedication to God's principles. You are on the right track if you have the desire to transform laziness or wrong direction into ways you can improve with good, Biblical, quality goals. If we are driven by pride or just the motivation to excel at all cost, it is a good bet we are on the wrong track and not in this Godly Character--just into ourselves.