Not long ago, I bumped into an old classmate from high school. We chit-chatted for about half an hour as our topic of conversation bounced from one topic to another like a soccer ball at a children’s soccer game. As we were about to part ways, the classmate who was graying at the edges of her hair and showing signs of ageing, much like me, asked me a surprising question, “You have changed, what happened?”
As her words rolled off her tongue, she smiled and laughed a little. I thought for a moment before responding, for I knew what the change was, and I wanted to make my words count. My response was anything but eloquent: “I just gave up!” Wow, what a great response I said to myself. Her confused look did not take me by surprise, so I proceeded to explain.
I gave up, that’s what I did. You may be thinking, “What exactly does this mean?”
I gave up on striving to be rich and to gain the whole world. Instead, I aimed my focus on something much greater (Matt 16:26).
I gave up my wild ways and my party days. Instead, I live my days in peace and quiet (1 Thess 4:11–12).
I gave up trying to be friends with everyone and people-please. Instead, I strive to please only the One who loves me (John 14:15).
I gave up the selfish lifestyle I was living day to day, only looking after me, myself, and I. Instead, I look at the interests of others (Phil 2:4).
I gave up worrying and trying to control everything in my life. Instead, I give my anxious thoughts to the One who made me and knows my heart and needs (Matt 6:8, 34).
I gave up hating myself and trying to be the best out of everyone. Instead, I strive daily to walk in the footsteps of the One who is perfect. (Matt 16:24–26).
You see, I gave up. I gave up on all the things in my life that were bringing me down, causing me pain, and putting my soul in jeopardy. Instead, I took up my cross and decided to follow Christ.
Giving up is not all bad if you are giving up things that are not good. I gave up and I decided to give in and follow Christ.
