"unswerved from our deliberate purpose"

It's a really nice idea that any of us can be "unswerved" from anything that challenges where and what we want to be. Maybe you are watching a good movie and you don't want anything to bother you and take your attention away. Maybe you are enjoying time with a friend and hope that you can continue enjoying each uninterrupted.

Remaining in a place or state of mind that you deliberately (intentionally) want to be in is highly desirable. We don't use the word "unswerved" very often, but we sure appreciate the idea.

Christians think about being "unswerved" more than maybe they are aware. The term is usually translated patience or perseverance. The idea of persevering in times of difficulty is an idea many hold onto as a virtue. Christians use scripture like Romans 5: 2-5 and James 1: 3-4 to be encouraged during times of trial or tests. Affliction is viewed as positive when we attach some transcendental benefit to suffering. Perseverance leads to hope, assurance everything is going to be alright.

Yet, often human nature attaches a "grin and bear it" meaning to "unswerved." That's a natural association of patience or endurance in times of difficult circumstances. When Christians view perseverance this way, they have a virtue that is no different than non-Christians. In this case the distinction Christians make between their patience and that of non believers if that they have a better hope. That's true, but that's missing the main distinction in their witness and in their own life.

The notion of "unswerved" used in the Bible (a version of hupomoné ) deals with simply holding fast to the purpose we have intentionally oriented our life around. It means, "don't be distracted by what you see going on around and to you." Don't lose sight of what matters. This is far from a "grin and bear it" mindset that waits for relief. It is a way to remain in the joy of our purpose, like the companionship of a good friend. Turning off the cell phone and staring into the eyes of our beloved at an intimate dinner is Biblical perseverance. Hupomoné reminds us that our circumstances are like a wind storm, blowing temporarily to take us off our game.     

God's idea of perseverance and patience is associated with rejoicing in the very midst of our circumstances, not because something beneficial is coming later, but because we are now in the presence of a loving and generous God.

For example, I recently read a famous football player just found out he may have throat cancer. His dad died of throat cancer at 51 and this former NFL star is now in his early 50's. He admitted he had lived in fear of throat cancer most of his life. He is a Christian, and he said his faith will help him deal with his fear. In other words he sees faith more as a temporary crutch and persevering as "just getting through the tough times."

The passage in Luke 12 came to my mind, "do not fear little flock for your Father has chosen gladly to give you His Kingdom."  Notice, Jesus didn't say "deal with your fear." Instead He said, "DO NOT FEAR." Jesus' idea of being "unswerved" by cancer was to rejoice right now in his relationship with Jesus and his life in the Kingdom. The cancer is a passing wind storm (a distraction) in which he shouldn't have fear in the first place. DO NOT FEAR, not deal with ("grin and bear it") your fear.

Also, notice the fear came from his experience with the futility of his earthly father. His dad was defeated by cancer and could not provide further for him (abandonment). His Heavenly Father is very different. God is able to provide all his soul could ever need and more, forever.

This is why Jesus can say, DO NOT FEAR. We can view perseverance as being "unswerved from our deliberate purpose," not a "grin and bear it" tolerance of pain.

Pondering the difference is an "out of this world" experience ....