Never Give Up              

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:11-18 NLT – Yes, we live under constant danger of – Bible Gateway

“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT

Those of us who are a little older realize our bodies don’t function as well as they did some time ago. Let alone start something new like going to the gym for physical workouts, it’s more than just a malfunction, it’s your new reality. But all is not lost. I’m finally taking my doctor’s repeated advice over the years to exercise. It took me awhile to get around to it, but I eventually did. It would have been a lot easier for me with an earlier start, but I’m not giving up. Even at my age there are still some benefits.

Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth that although ‘our bodies are dying; our spirits are being renewed every day.’ (2Cor.4:16 nlt) The apostle was referring to the natural aging process but was putting an extra focus on his own body due to the hardships of his lifestyle, wearing himself out in ministry along with the beatings and attacks he received from his enemies. These circumstances sped up the process for him. But through it all, at the same time his soul was continually being fed and growing spiritually being renewed each day. That is why Paul was able to say he never gave up.

The day-to-day struggles we incur seem to grow larger and more difficult as we age, but at the same time our souls should be increasing in the spirit of the Lord. The question is, is it? And this is not only for older folk, but for the young alike. Consider this is your spiritual check-up. How are you doing? Are you growing spiritually in the Lord? Do you have regular spiritual workouts of Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance with other Christians? If not, it’s time to get around to it so you never give up.