This will likely be one of those topics where good men and women of faith will agree to disagree. I am sharing my perspective. If you disagree, feel free to share yours. Let us reason together.
What has happened to the American commitment ethic, which derives its grounding in the Judeo-Christian Doctrine of Perseverance and Resolve?
The principle of never giving up or throwing in the towel used to be a hallmark of the American Way.
That was then, but it is certainly not the case today. We have moved from respecting the rights of others to brazenly celebrating when people do not honor their commitments. Evangelicals should never assume that non-believers will adopt worldviews that are alien and hostile to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yet, that is exactly the thesis of my latest YouTube Video post. Evangelicals are celebrating the decision of Simon Biles to "quit" at the most recent Toyko Olympics.
Quitting is not compatible with the Judeo-Christian worldview. It is so easy to take the "broad road" and chuck it at the first sign of trouble. Please do not misinterpret my argument. I have great sympathy for ANYONE struggling with mental health. I am a personal witness of the pain such a struggle entails, but there is an honorable manner, and there is a dishonorable manner.
Bailing on your teammates or bailing on others is never the Judeo-Christian way. The Scriptures are replete with calls to persevere and not quit. I share seven in this video. There were many, many more I could have shared.
Simone Biles was universally hailed as a hero for quitting on her teammates during the Toyko Olympics in the middle of the competition. My critique does not attempt to weigh on the mental health of Simone Biles one way or the other.
I wish her nothing but the best, and I pray she gets the help she needs. My critique is of the adulation she is receiving from the Evangelical community. It is fine and proper for Evangelicals to respect Miss Biles' decision, but celebrating it goes contrary to God's revealed will for His followers.
The Scriptures are replete with admonishments for believers to persevere. The reason I have the assurance of salvation is my resolve to posit Biblical TODAY. I will need that same resolve tomorrow. This is one of the reasons we are told in Holy Scripture to pray for our "Daily Bread."
We are also told that today's worry is enough for us, so we are told to not spend time expending energy about tomorrow's trouble.
Miss Biles had plenty of time for reflection and contemplation. Once we make a commitment, we need to do all within our power to honor that commitment. I believe our lack of commitment ethic is one of the chief reasons the divorce rate in the Evangelical Church is not materially different than the secular divorce rate.
Simon Biles is a lot of things, but she is not a hero for quitting in the manner she did. When the going gets tough, that is the time for the tough to get going.
*A hero is a single mother who does whatever is necessary for her children. *A hero is that man or woman who, despite being knocked downtime and time again, repeatedly dusks themselves off and keeps pressing on. *A hero is a couple who struggled through marriage, with all of its highs and lows but remembered the commitment they made before God and did not throw in the towel. *A hero is a soldier who, with great fear, stills answers the call to battle, knowing the likelihood of death is likely.
If you desire to access my website, "Thinking Critically from an Evangelical." https://www.thinkingcriticallyfromanevangelicalworldview.com/ If you have a prayer request, I have a Supplication Page! If you have a praise report, I have a L.I.F.E. Page! If you have a biblical question, I have the "Ask Dr. Ricky" Page! If you have a desire to support me financially, you can visit my store and make a purchase at the Thinking Critically store! If you have interest in further hearing from me, I have over 90 blogs on the Resource Page@http://keepingyourhandtotheplow.blog
If you desire to purchase my book: "Weighed and Found Wanting":
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1644687895/ref=sr_1_2?crid=4V23G8BNP7P1&dchild=1&keywords=weighed+and+found+wanting&qid=1622866427&sprefix=weighed+and+found+wan%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-2t