Determination Part 2

DETERMINATION
Vineyard Church NW - Jody Burgin


DETERMINATION vs. Withdrawal
Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition.

“I will…”
Set goals reflecting my faith in God.
Make sure my goals are right.
Persist against opposition and ignore distractions.
Not be discouraged by other’s attempts to dissuade or discourage me.
Face problems head-on.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:12

Rare indeed are those folk who doggedly give of themselves with little regard for recognition, personal benefit, or monetary returns. It takes a devoted determination to be a rebuilder, a repairer, and a restorer. The selfish and lazy rationalization “That’s good enough to get by” will not get broken lives rebuilt.

For some reason we are slowly eroding into a people that gauges every request for involvement from the viewpoint: “What do I get out of it?” or “How can I get the most for the least?” Tucked underneath that philosophy is a tremendous loss of dedication. As a result, our standard has become mediocrity and our goal, maintaining the average. The consecrated worker, the high achiever, the dedicated employee, the student who strives for excellence is often labeled a neurotic or shunned as a fanatic.

God’s word stresses the importance of personal determination. The Lord assures me that his glory is my goal (1 Cor. 10:31), not man’s approval. Furthermore, when he tells me to love, he tells me to do it fervently (1 Peter 4:8). When maintaining a friendship, it is to be devotedly (Romans 12:10). When steering clear of evil, I am told to stay away from even the appearance of it (1 Thessalonians 5:22). When seeing a person in need, I am to bear his or her burden sacrificially (Galatians 6:1-2), not stay at a safe distance. When it comes to work, I am to be disciplined (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8) and diligent (1 Thessalonians 2:9). The Scriptures abound with exhortations to go above and beyond the required call of duty – to a dedication of life that thrives on the challenge of persisting against opposition and doing a quality piece of work. Our daily motto can be to always do more than is required of us. Don’t be afraid of it. Such determination is not only rare, it’s downright contagious.

Lord, I am all yours – no conditions, no exceptions, no reservations.