Relentless

Relentless for What? 

The Bible teaches us to be relentless in our drive and focus to find our mission, and purpose for our life (2 Peter 1:10). To find this purpose, we need an understanding of God’s truth to penetrate into our heart and mind. Basically, we don’t allow anything to stop us from achieving God's purpose and honor. For example, in the 1924 Paris Olympics, Eric Liddell refused to run in the 100 metres as it was the Sabbath. He once said: ‘I believe God made me for a purpose. But he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure.’

The opposite of being relentless is to 'relent', which means to give in, or yield. The Bible says,  "He who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). This is a proverbial expression that Jesus used to teach that once someone has committed to follow Christ, they should not look back. Once you put the hand to the plow, don’t take it off until your work is done. The only way is forward. When we look back, it can lead to regret, which will prevent one from bearing fruit. 

The Bible is full of relentless and relenting individuals. In 1 Samuel 15, king Saul shows a relenting mindset after God instructed him through the prophet Samuel to wipe out the Amalekites, who are Israel's enemies. Saul relented from God's relentless desire and redefined the mission on his own terms. It cost him his leadership position. In the Old Testament, when Nehemiah saw the city’s walls ruined, he was relentless in in undertaking the daunting task of rebuilding the wall. Even though Nehemiah’s enemies relentlessly attack and mock his work, he remained responsible and finished the work.