Perseverance And Pursuit Of Godliness In Lifestyle

In this last post of my pursuit of godliness series (Part 1 and Part 2 here), I want to write about a true mark of the Christian life: perseverance. I also want to shed some light into our lifestyle – for our accountability and perhaps for your encouragement. Since we got married, George and I have had a mutual conviction to live in a simple and single-minded way. We always hoped that our lifestyle would intentionally display Christ to the world. We attempt to give up worldly desires that distract us, striving to love God and love others. I am thankful that God brought us to unity in our convictions.

Our Lifestyle Choices

When we got married, George and I discussed our desire to use our resources (mainly time and money) wisely. Here are four habits that have been established during our sweet 2.5 years of marriage:

We Don’t Have Internet

Both of us are guilty of mindlessly browsing, consuming copious amounts of entertainment, and simply wasting our time on the web. Following through with this decision has been one of our wisest choices yet.

(Just to clarify, as I’m sure things are running through your mind: I have enough data on my phone to access what I need. George has a work phone with data that he uses for emergencies. We go to coffee shops or my parents’ house for things that require WIFI. George posts the weekly blog post on his lunch break at work. It’s really all a matter of planning!)

We Budget

We allocate a budget for all areas of spending. This ensures our spending is controlled and helps dissipate conflict with finances.

We Practice Hospitality

George and I both love to cook. We also love to walk through life with people. Thus opening our home is our most natural way of showing love to others.

We Discuss Our 5 Year Plan Frequently

We try to communicate our dreams and “where we see ourselves in the future” with each other on a frequent basis. It brings us to unity, allows us to create goals and strive for them together. We believe there is wisdom in planning but we are well aware God is ultimately in control. His way is best.

The Struggle To Persevere

All this said, we easily fail to follow through in perseverance. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I am thankful we have resolve to stay kingdom-focused. However, sin has a way of trickling in and swaying our hearts from Christ.

Personally, I have been wandering through a season of idleness (and joyless-ness). Although my to-do list is endless, I’ve been procrastinating. Rather than feeling motivated, I’ve been bored and restless. I have fallen behind on recording our budget, I’ve become notorious for not responding to people (or responding very late), I have made excuses to delay meeting friends, and I have been an internet-fiend, needing to spend every kilobyte of my data plan.

The Need to Persevere

Fortunately, our God does not leave us to sanctify ourselves. His Spirit works to open my eyes. He causes me to desire change and take action. Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in your ways (Psalm 119:37) has become a frequent prayer. I look on role models like Jonathan Edwards who resolved to “never waste even one moment of time.” I can relate to Christian, the main character of Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, as he voyages to the celestial city. Also, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul who presses on toward the goal, running in such a way as to obtain the prize. I think on the invitation in Hebrews 12:1 to run with endurance the race that is set before us. To persevere in our walk is difficult but necessary. God calls us to love Him and love one another on a daily basis, striving for godliness in the mundane day-to-day. Ultimately, the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).

Application

In my effort to realign my life to our vision and to persevere daily, I’ve sought to:

1. Look to Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross as he saw the joy that was set before Him. Seek Christ as our hope, our example and our strength. Read the Word and pray a prayer of perseverance. Trust in Him because the outcome is sure.
2. Set goals. Make daily and weekly goals that are tangible and realistic. One day, I might simply aim to a) spend time in the Word, b) change the bunny litter, and c) meal prep for dinner (on top of caring for all of Rosie’s needs of course). Review and reflect on how time is spent on a weekly basis. Are there areas of improvement? Tackle them by the grace of God.
3. Have accountability. We were not meant to journey alone. My husband is my best accountability partner. He walks alongside me, prays for me, and keeps me grounded.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I have tasted and seen your goodness and yet I am disappointed as I see my disinterest to live for you. Thank you for giving me good resolves. I want to continue to live in a way that pleases you. Give me strength for every day. May I run with a single-mindedness and cast aside everything that hinders and distracts. Help me to persevere to the end. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What are some of your day-to-day struggles with perseverance? How have you tried to combat them? Let us know below!