Remains Committed To God His Whole Life

Remains Committed To God His Whole Life

A HERO’S TALE

Let’s talk about the Biebs.

Ever since his YouTube videos were discovered in 2008, Justin Bieber has been one of pop music’s hottest stars. Young boys want to be like him. Young girls squeal when they see him. His legions of devoted followers call themselves “Beliebers.”

But one day, belieb —uh, believe —it or not, Biebermania will be a distant memory. That’s the way these things go. Before Bieber, boy bands *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and the Jonas Brothers were wildly popular. But you probably don’t remember them.

In the ’80s, it was New Kids on the Block, New Edition, and Menudo. In the ’70s, it was The Jackson 5. In the ’60s, it was The Beatles and The Monkees.

You get the point. Fads are fun and exciting, but they don’t last.

Throughout his long ministry as a missionary, preacher, and church builder, the apostle Paul warned people not to treat Christianity like a short-lived spiritual fad. He often compared life to a long race. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he said, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”

DECODING THE MESSAGE

Christianity is not like a hot new music album that you eventually get tired of and delete from your MP3 player. It’s not just a quick prayer you pray. No, following Jesus is a lifelong commitment. True heroes for God remain committed to him their whole lives.

During his life, Paul saw many people who claimed to be Christians fall away (see 2 Timothy 4:10). But Paul never stopped living for Jesus. This requires perseverance, faithfulness, and much prayer.

You are just starting your journey of faith. You’ll encounter many problems in life. At times, you might want to abandon your faith. But stay strong. God is faithful. He will never stop loving you, so don’t ever stop following him.

Remember, too, that you can’t be a true hero for God on your own. You need God’s help. So read his Word daily. Pray to him continually. Surround yourself with other believers who love God too.

By the end of his life, Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7). Will you be able to say the same thing?

BATTLE PLAN

Start a spiritual journal. Write down what you’re learning about following Jesus, how you’re doing, and spiritual questions you have. It’s a great way to track your commitment to God over time.