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St. Pats is an independent Christian congregation. You can read more about what makes us distinctive by clicking on the links in the left column, but we can characterize it in one word; LOVE. Come and see...

Scripture Lesson for Sunday

Generally we observe the Christian calendar and follow the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. You can view the lessons by clicking here. When you get to Textweek simply click on the link below next Sunday's date. To learn more about the Revised Common Lectionary click here. 

When Do You Persist and When Do You Quit?

I was caught in the middle of a philosophical argument. Paul was taking the position that the wise person knows when it is time to give up and move on to something more profitable. Nick said you never give up; you continually use new strategies and apply all your resources until they ("they" would be your supervisors, people in authority, or superiors) tell you to stop.
 
When I read the book "Dip" the author said most people stop just before there is a breakthrough. They give up too soon. On the other hand, he said, when the hand writing is on the wall, when the evidence is clear it is foolish to continue.
 
I say that persistence is one of the most important traits for spirituality and leadership, both for your personal life and your public life.   Your ability to persist under difficult and trying circumstances says more about you than just about anything else. But the reason behind your persistence is more important than the virtue. So, if you are just hanging in there because hanging in there is the right thing to do without analyzing or critically evaluating the big picture then your persistence is a vain exercise.
 
Wisdom trumps persistence.
 
When persistence is based on ego then it is not a virtue. In other words if I persist in an endeavor just because it is the right thing to do, but in the course of it my family, my business, even my well-being is compromised then persistence becomes a vice and a function of ego.
 
You may have heard of the military commander who says, "Just because you've been shot doesn't mean you are dead... you keep going until you drop or help comes." Now THAT is persistence. You don't stop until you can't go any more.
 
The opposite of persistence is not quitting, it not caring anymore. Acquiescing always proceeds quitting. This is especially true in relationships. Attachment is severed by indifference.
 
Here is an exercise. Consider the difficult tasks in your life; job, relationships, finances, health/weight, what ever. Ask your self, "have I been shot or am I merely indifferent?" Now you have something to work with. If you've been shot, then look for help. If you are indifferent then change your attitude and figure out how to persist.
 
Wisdom says that whether you achieve your goal or not is not the issue. The issue is did you do what was necessary to help your people and your self the best way possible?
 
I love you - Bryan