Endure to the End

I've had the image of steps in my head for months.  Not exactly like these, but I didn't want to draw the image myself, so I just picked this  because it was a little obscure.  I've been trying to figure what it means for quite some time.  I think, to me, it is a perfect visual for the gospel--not as a whole, but in little pieces--in bits of scripture verses.   

Take the word endure.

Here's an example:

Matthew 24: 13  But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved. 

That's a pretty plain statement.  It doesn't leave a lot to be interpreted.  It's definitely a bottom step in my picture.  It's the principle to teach to little children and those who are not familiar with Christ's doctrine.  It means you need to last.  You can't just believe for 5 minutes and expect to be "saved."--that word is enough for another post all by itself.

As I read more and familiarize myself with the words and wordings in the scriptures I see that enduring to the end isn't as simple as this one verse tells us.  Of course, maybe this verse said more before it was translated 20 or so times, but right now it is really straightforward and plain.

How about this one: 

2 Nephi 31:16  And now, by beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.

That one doesn't sound quite as simple.  Following the Savior's example is a challenge to say the least.  We know we can't follow his example in all things because we are not perfect as he was/is.  We still need to try.  This is definitely a step above the basics.

Next, just following in that same chapter it reads:

2 Nephi 31:20  Wherefore,  ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:  Ye shall have eternal life.

This verse adds so much  to the baseline endurance.  Bright hope means, at least to me, that we have to have the faith to understand why enduring is important--what the endgame is.  Feasting on Christ's words--maybe devouring, savoring, enjoying His teachings.  Pressing forward adds the concept of resistance.  Almost like a hard wind or a hill in the middle of a marathon run.  To get to this level of endurance someone has to be working at it, maybe even breaking a sweat.  It's definitely a few steps higher in the climb of really understanding.

Doctrine and Covenants 24:8  Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.

This one kind of tells me that even if I am working and learning and trying to follow the example of Jesus,  there will be really hard things thrown in my path and I'll probably trip several times.  Learning that I can do hard things is a lesson in patience and also that I can have strength from heaven with me at all times.  I shouldn't be deterred or detoured depending on how you look at it.

Hebrews 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Back to not being in charge.  God wants to let us know when we need to make adjustments in our lives.  What father wouldn't.  My father writes my brothers and me letters when he wants to impress something upon us.  Sometimes it's hard to hear.  Same is true with our Father in heaven.  Chastening is correction.  I need that--often.  I tend to wander.  My pride cycle seems to run it's course faster than even the Nephites sometimes.  I like to be in charge.  This one may be a hard step to stay on in my picture.  Sometimes it's easier to take a step back, or down in this case, than to endure chastening.

James 1: 12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

There's always that.  I'm weak.  Some temptations seem to get me every time.  Enduring temptations is tricky.  The devil knows where we are in our climb toward God too.  He can make the steps pretty slippery at times.

Lastly,

Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8 & 29  My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;   And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.  All thrones and dominions,  principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Words like suffering and buffeting--not the eating kind, the strike repeatedly and violently kind, come to mind.  Perseverance, probation, diligence, and trustworthiness are the words in the footnotes.  I guess my definition for valiant endurance would be a targeted determination--a "nothing will ever get in my way" type of goal.

Endure to the end means more than lasting.  We are not merely expected to finish the race of this life, we are challenged to win the prize. (Mosiah 4:27)