Understanding that self-reflection, for some, is not considered an enjoyable or worthwhile activity, I hope you will indulge me today. Perhaps this question will not be too challenging as you consider your life up to this point: Is there an activity you’ve faithfully engaged in, something that now you are grateful you were able to Stick With it? Possibly a personal or professional goal comes to mind…a hobby or interest…a fitness regimen…an academic achievement…a healthy eating plan…a relationship. It could really be anything, but consider that thing that took some perseverance, something that did not always come naturally for you. Now that you have this activity at the forefront of your mind, let me Appreciatively Inquire further: what enabled or encouraged you to Stick With It?

For many of us, I would offer that the passions we pursue, the disciplines we embrace, the habits we establish are often reliant on the values and passions of the people surrounding us. In addition to our people groups, much of where we invest our time and effort really comes down to practicality. In nutrition courses, we discuss what practically influences our food choices, and more often than not, the answers relate to issues such as class/work schedules, convenience, and cost—practical, real-life situations. It’s these two rationales—people and practicality–that often determine whether or not we are willing to Stick With ____ (whatever your “It” is)!

During the month of January, as with a great many people beginning a new year, a great deal of my reading has involved how we discipline ourselves to form healthy habits. And among people of faith, we often use the terminology of spiritual formation that arises from engaging in spiritual disciplines. Now, most of us will accept that to excel at activities like sports, music, and academics, we must discipline ourselves to train and practice-that to Stick With It–will require intentional focus and effort, and likely guidance from a respected coach, mentor, or guide.

In attempts to cultivate a healthy habit, such as reading Scripture, Kevin DeYoung offers the example of Timothy and his mentor, Paul. In Taking God at His Word, DeYoung shares how Paul encourages Timothy to stay close to the word of God. “The command to continue in the gospel is, for Timothy just as for all of us, an exhortation to keep going with and keep growing in the sacred writings (v. 15). ‘Stay on target’—that was good advice as Luke Skywalker approached the Death Star, and its good advice for every Christian. Don’t go wobbly…We will get tired. We will know many pressures…But this is God’s never-changing instruction to us: Stick With the Scriptures.”

DeYoung then offers a point very appropriate for all Seasons of Life, but especially during Emerging Adulthood, when we often question authority, “… before you leave behind what you used to believe about the Bible, consider who taught you to believe what you used to believe about the Bible.” When pastor and scholar John Piper was asked about why he believes the Bible, he answered, “…’Because my momma told me it’s true.’ Yet that wasn’t a throwaway line or a glib remark crafted for effect. Piper was capturing something deeply true in many of our lives, and deeply biblical. It’s not necessarily a sign of growth to move past the faith of your childhood, and not necessarily a weakness to believe the same thing throughout your whole life. What an inestimable privilege to be acquainted from childhood with the sacred writings. The ultimate reason for Timothy to Stick With the Scripture goes far beyond Lois and Eunice. But at their feet is where he first learned to trust the word of God. Which is no small thing, and not to be tossed aside for anything in the world.”

As I pondered this content from DeYoung, gratitude immediately welled up that I had faithful parents who encouraged me to Stick With reading a daily devotional called Our Daily Bread, something instilled in my childhood. Countless times, including this week, starting my day with this practical guidance from Scripture, has spoken to my heart in unexplainable ways. A habit encouraged by the people in my life, and the practicality of the advice provided is priceless. “[Scripture] gives us something the Internet, with all its terabytes of information, never could: wisdom. The purpose of Holy Scripture is not ultimately to make you smart, or make you relevant, or make you rich, or get you a job, or get you married, or take all your problems away, or tell you where to live [Where’s Wherever?]. The aim is that you might be wise enough to put your faith in Christ and be saved.”

So, returning to the opening question: Is there an activity you’ve faithfully engaged in, something that now you are grateful you were able to Stick With it, like reading the Daily Bread? Would you consider sharing your experience in the comments below?

Reference:

DeYoung, K. (2014). Taking God at his word: Why the Bible is knowable, necessary, and enough, and what that means for you and me. Crossway.