Do the names Frank, Joe, Fenton, Aunt Gertrude and Chet sound familiar to you? They are fictional characters who appear in the mystery series, The Hardy Boys. When my children were little I would read to them from this series.
Frank and Joe are the Hardy brothers and would be introduced at the beginning of each book. Our children knew that before long they would meet Chet Morton, a rather stout fellow. In each story Chet would have another hobby. He would immerse himself in it for the duration of the adventure but then it would be forgotten.
Unfortunately, over the years I have known many people who are like Chet. Christianity seems to be just their latest hobby. They become deeply engaged in Christianity. For a time they seem to be wonderful examples of the Christian faith. Then, either suddenly or over time, they fall away. They quit attending church. They go about their lives as though Christ doesn’t mean anything.
Jesus warns against this. He knew that either under persecution or simply a lack of perseverance, some people would abandon the faith. If you were to compare Christianity to an athletic event, it is more of a marathon than a sprint.
Jesus endured to the end for you. From the time of His temptation in the wilderness to His agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus chose to continue to the cross. He never swerved from His commitment to save you from sin and death. May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen you for your challenges today and every day. If you have allowed your faith to diminish, may the Holy Spirit restore your commitment to Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for enduring the cross for me. Grant me the strength to face the temptations of the day and the courage to continue in my faith until the end. Amen.
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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