Keep Going!

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-16

Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of. --2 Timothy 3:14

In his early years, British statesman Joseph Chamberlain (1836-1914) taught Sunday school. His favorite Bible verse was Genesis 12:5, "They went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came" (KJV).

That verse was a motto well-suited to a man of his iron will. It also gave him a biblical basis for citing two qualifications for success in life. One is to have the right destination—"They went forth to go into the land of Canaan." The second is to keep going after we have started—"into the land of Canaan they came."

As the apostle Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he knew that he would die soon, and he reflected on his life. He was not a leaf tossed about by the winds; he was an arrow headed for a target. Paul found his direction and destination in his relationship with Christ, and he wanted to cultivate in Timothy the virtues of a well-lived life. He offered himself as a model: "You have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and perseverance" (2 Timothy 3:10). "Stay with it," he seemed to be saying to young Timothy.

Keeping Christ uppermost in our lives will keep us headed right and will give us the strength to keep going. 

My life, my love I give to Thee,

Thou Lamb of God who died for me;

O may I ever faithful be,

My Savior and my God!

We conquer by continuing.