"so that you will not be sluggish"

Hebrews 6:11-12
"And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but immitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
These two verses are inspiring/motivating upon first reading them; however, after giving them a second thought I was struck by how truly counter-cultural they really are. The concepts of perseverance and diligence are almost laughable in our culture of laziness and immediate gratification. Faith and patience are also unnatural. We are more inclined to try to have things figured out on our own so we don't have to depend on others. We are more inclined to be impatient and to get tired of waiting.

". . . diligence . . . to realize the full assurance of hope until the end . . ." This is a journey for the long haul, a fight to the death. It is not a one day battle, a momentary victory that lasts forever, but a continuous struggle. It is no wonder that few find the narrow way that leads to life. The broad way is surely more appealing and easier to navigate.

Perseverance of the saints then becomes such an important doctrine. Only those genuinely saved by the grace of God will have the will to persevere to the end, no matter the trials or tribulations that may come.

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