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The adage, Quitters never win, and winners never quit, is a generalization that contains a powerful gem of truth. This uninspired “proverb” particularly deserves application to those who serve the Son of God. Show me a man or woman who is a real achiever, and I will show you someone who has refused to quit when the hurdles were high, and the head winds were strong. The “easy” way to “overcome” problems is to drop out. It is also the wrong way. The only time we should quit what we’re doing is when we are doing something wrong.
There is no way to estimate how many battles have been lost, how many inventions have failed to materialize, how many marriages have dissolved, and how many athletic records have gone unshattered because someone quit. We must await eternity to learn how many souls will be lost, how many good works died and how many spiritual victories failed because a brother or sister quit his or her post of service.
God’s Word teaches by example and precept that God takes no pleasure in quitters. What if Noah had grown weary before he finished the ark, and quit? What if Moses had let the problems of leading Israel through a barren wilderness get him down so that he threw up his hands and quit in dismay? What if Jesus had quit when His own brothers rejected Him, when his closest disciples displayed sinful ambition, when one of His twelve betrayed Him for money, and when another denied he even knew Him? What if He had quit when the attacks from his enemies became increasingly harsh, and it was apparent they would not stop till He was dead? What if Paul had quit when the Jews rejected his preaching and followed him about, stirring up more opposition? What if he had quit in utter discouragement in one of the many prison cells he occupied?
So, you’re tired of being taken for granted? You’ve been at the same task now for several years in the church and you’re worn out? Somebody mistreated you and unjustly criticized you, you say? The responsibility you volunteered for turned out to be hard work, so you are going to drop out? Before you quit, remember: “No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Also, reflect on Paul’s encouragement: “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). There is truly a crying need in the Lord’s kingdom for people who will work till they are unable to work anymore.
[Note: I wrote this article for and it was published in The Edifier, weekly bulletin of Pearl Street Church of Christ, Denton, TX, September 17, 1987, of which I was editor.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
