Never Give Up!

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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