I’m starting a new Friday series that will simply involve taking a look at words that I’d like to introduce — or re-introduce — college students to. They’ll be words that bring to bear the truth and reality of the Holy Scriptures, the Christian life and our call to live in — but not of — this world.

Today’s word: Endure.

It’s a verb that, among other nuanced definitions, means to support adverse force or influence of any kind; suffer without yielding; suffer patiently.

To support adverse force or influence — of any kind.

To suffer — without yielding.

To suffer — patiently.

The words endure, endures and endured are found 112 times throughout the NIV translation of the Bible — landing (not coincidentally, I believe) in books from beginning to end — Genesis to Revelation.

God seemed to be painting a picture of a people who would have to endure many hardships if they were to survive (endure) as His chosen people.

But what does that look like today?

How do we understand this call to endure in an American culture that is all about instant — not patience; comfort — not pain; pleasure — not suffering; giving up — and not enduring?

In a culture that only speaks of enduring in terms of what it takes to “make it to the top,” how can we reclaim this word as a Divine calling — a Christian discipline — that God can use to shape us and mold us into the people he desires for us to be?

2 Timothy 4⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. ⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.

Hebrews 12 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Revelations 3 ¹⁰ Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

I believe it’s a choice — to endure.

I believe it is very contrary to the kind of mindset and lifestyle we see exhibited by most people in America — including a lot of Christians.

I believe it’s a calling — for those who choose to follow Jesus.

To support adverse force or influence — of any kind.

To suffer — without yielding.

To suffer — patiently.

Endure.