I saw one of these inspirational statements
that make the rounds on social media, recently. On the surface, it sounds
uplifting and affirming, however, when analyzed through the lens of Scripture, it
is revealed to be composed by the enemy of our souls himself. This is the
statement: “Never give up! Reach inside! Give it all you got! As long as you’re
alive you can keep on trying! Never give up! Discover how strong you are! Don’t
let anything or anyone bring you down! Instead be someone who lifts others up
by not giving up and inspiring others with all you’ve achieved! Never give up!”
(Karen Salmansohn)
When I first read this statement I was
disheartened. Disheartened because of the depth of control our enemy has on the
way we think. These words seem like good advise and encouraging life affirming
words to get us through the day but the reality is the sentiment of this
message will only lead us to deeper misery. Let’s break it down: “Never give
up!” good opener, perseverance is an excellent trait to develop, this is
supported by scripture (Luke 9:62; Hebrews 10:23). However, the next line is
pure poison: “Reach inside!” What do we have inside us to reach for? Unless
Christ is living in us, there is nothing worth reaching for (Psalms 51:5; Jeremiah
17:9; Romans 7:18; Philippians 2:13). This promotion of an inward reach is the
plan of the enemy. He was the original self-centred creature. He declared that ‘he
and his fellow angels had no need of God’s law because in and of themselves
they were able to do good’. We can see where that mindset has brought us thus
far.
The next few lines reiterate the idea that
there is some inherent good in us. “Give it all you got! As long as you’re
alive you can keep on trying! Never give up! Discover how strong you are!” The
Bible informs us that our “righteousness are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
Because of our first parents’ sin we are by nature weak and unable to do any
good thing in our own strength. Scripture tells us that it is only through the
power of Christ that we have the strength to do anything (John 15:4, 5; Acts
17:28; Philippians 4:13). The very life we live is because of God’s sustaining
power.
With all that we have seen thus far in
Scripture the next line is now taking a direct swing at God’s word: “Don’t let anything or anyone bring you down!” The Bible tells us to humble
ourselves, and let Him lift us up (Proverbs 16:18; 29:23; Matthew 23:12; Luke
1:52; 14:8-11). Christ is to be our example and He humbled himself more than
any being in existence. He is the Creator of all things, and He chose to come
to this earth and let His creation disparage and mutilate Him so that these
same creatures could have a chance at life (Philippians 2:8). And we write
little statements to encourage ourselves in our own self-importance.
The final line: “Instead be someone who
lifts others up by not giving up and inspiring others with all you’ve achieved!
Never give up!” The audacity! What can any of us achieve to bring inspiration
to anyone else (Luke 12:25)? Our only source of inspiration and hope is in
Christ. The spirit of boasting that this sentence encourages only feeds in us
and in others a disregard for the tenth commandment. The songwriter said it
well “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling” (Rock of Ages-
Toplady, A 1776). The Apostle Paul said: ‘follow me as I follows Christ’ (1
Corinthians 11:1). Our achievements and worldly gains can do nothing but help a
person loose sight of the true aim of reuniting with Christ.
The mentality encouraged by inspirational
words like these is what has led to the utter and complete disregard for God’s
commandments. It feeds into the idea that because Jesus died we don’t have to
sacrifice anything in this life (but that’s a discussion for another post). My
only aim in this is to encourage us to think about these seemingly uplifting
statements that we distribute so freely. Please read them critically before you
distribute them. You may be building up the enemy’s kingdom by fostering ideas
of self-sufficiency and self-importance. Remember we are to die daily so that
Christ may live out His perfect life through us (1 Corinthians 15:31; Galatians
2:20).
Be Encouraged
