In so many endeavors, success is highly correlated with persistence. Sticking with a goal, in spite of discouragements and setbacks, is critical for most worthwhile accomplishments.
So it’s not surprising that the same principle applies to our discipleship. Jesus signaled to His apostles that it would not be easy to follow Him. “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake,” He warned, “but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13).
The Greek word translated “endure” in these passages is hupoménō (ὑπομένω), which means literally “to remain under.” The word reminds me of the Savior’s admonition to carry His yoke (Matthew 11:29) or to take up our cross (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). It suggests that we continue bearing a burden, and that we resist the temptation to set it aside and take a break.
Jesus included endurance in His explanation of the gospel in the Americas after His resurrection:
Whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
3 Nephi 27:16
In modern revelation, the Lord has continued to emphasize this principle. In 1831, He told Sidney Gilbert:
I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end.
Doctrine and Covenants 53:7
Obviously, we all need rest, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I don’t think the Savior expects us to be constantly in high gear, operating at maximum capacity. But there is a difference between pacing ourselves and dropping the ball. Even King Benjamin, after telling us not to run faster than we have strength, added, that we “should be diligent, that thereby [we] might win the prize” (Mosiah 4:27; see also Doctrine and Covenants 10:4). And Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf memorably taught, “Retirement is not part of the Lord’s plan of happiness” (“Two Principles for Any Economy,” General Conference, October 2009).
So worthwhile things require sustained effort over time, and our discipleship of Jesus is no exception. We should pace ourselves, but we must keep our eye on the goal and keep moving forward. We simply won’t reach the goal if we give up halfway there.
Today, I will “remain under.” I will be mindful of my ongoing obligations, including promises I’ve made and duties I have accepted. I will keep moving toward eternal life, knowing that the gift of salvation is only received by those who remain committed to the Savior.
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