A few years ago, a high school football team in Michigan, USA, had its final five games of the season canceled after going 0–4 and scoring no points to start the season. The lack of wins and points hurts, but it hurts my heart even more to think that someone gave up on this group of athletes.
Think about the possible victories that these athletes will never achieve. I don't mean winning on the field. From what was reported, the team would likely have finished 0–9. However, lasting victories are not about points on the scoreboard or wins and losses. The main thing is what victories in life the athletes failed to win this season. I guess coaches and sports officials have never heard Winston Churchill's famous quote: "Never give up - never, never, never, in big or small, great or insignificant, never give up..." To him, the word "quit" was a four-letter profanity.
Twenty years from now, these athletes may wish their coaches hadn't given up on them back then. Even if they didn't win and lost, it could have been a defining moment for their character development.
Unfortunately, the tendency to give up has affected many sectors of society, including the business and professional world. People leave without thinking about the possible consequences. In my opinion, this word needs to be removed from our vocabulary. Not only do I consider it a dirty word, but it also becomes a curse to all who live by it.
I will never forget a conversation with a 16-year-old boy during a gathering of young athletes. In his free time, he sat alone, resting his head in his hands. Something was bothering him, so I sat next to him, hoping to help. He simply asked, “What happened?” I was prepared for the typical response of a young man: a misunderstanding between him and the girl; alcohol or drugs; difficulties with friends or problems at school. So I was shocked when he said, “I hate it when my parents let me give up on everything I start.”
The young man began to explain: no matter what he started, he soon abandoned it. He then blurted out, “I just wish they would make me finish what I started.” Wow! I usually hear the exact opposite: “I hate that my parents make me finish everything I start.” But this persistent athlete wanted to be encouraged not to give up.
The Bible is clear about the importance of not giving up and standing strong in the face of adversity, no matter what form it takes. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance; But let patience have its perfect work, so that you may be complete and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
Our families, teams, businesses, organizations, churches and schools should be places to develop a spirit of completion—and completion successfully. The four-letter word “leave” should be eliminated from our conversations. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9 of the reward for not giving up: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”
Each of us will become known to others as the one who reached the finish line or gave up. The choice is ours, but the difference between these concepts is life changing. Because it is in struggle and tension that God shapes and sculpts us. We will miss out on what He is trying to do in our lives if we stop when things get tough.
Dan Britton is an author, coach and instructor who serves as the chief professional officer for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and leads thousands of staff in more than 100 countries. Britton played professional lacrosse for the Baltimore Thunder and co-authored eight books, including One Word, Wisdom Walks and A Call to Greatness. He frequently speaks to companies, non-profit organizations and sports teams. Dan and his wife Dawn reside in Overland Park, Kansas. They have three family children and a granddaughter.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Jeremiah 29:11–14; Romans 5:3–5, 8:35–39; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Peter 1:6-7
Difficult task
Sometimes the obstacles we face seem almost insurmountable. We may become discouraged, which means we lose the courage to persevere. In times like these, we can all benefit from help from people who care about us and support us through difficult times. Who can you turn to when you need encouragement? This could be a person or a small group of people who you know have your best interests at heart. Identify them today and decide to be open about the challenges you face. Likewise, today consider how you can serve to help those who need support.
