As a “Gen Xer” I strongly remember the “Just Do It” promotional campaign by Nike. Somewhere back in time, I even vaguely remember watching a brief documentary on the creation and impact of this short phrase. Although Nike only intended for the consumer to “just go ahead and buy their shoes”, it became a catchy slogan that challenged people in all aspects of their lives. It became a challenge to everyone to stop settling for the way things are, and instead actually get up and do something to make the change. I believe that in this documentary they mention letters (yes, this was before texts, Facebook, etc., back when people communicated by means of actual paper, pen, envelopes, and stamps. This is post pony express, but pre email) from people who felt empowered to make life changing decisions based on what became the “Just Do It” philosophy. Some people went on their dream vacation, some changed careers, and some even dumped that “lousy boyfriend” and found someone better. The creators of the slogan expressed their amazement at how impactful these few words became to so many.
Although she was born well after this campaign that began in 1988, Hannah would have been a “Nike” girl. She embodied the “Just Do It” mindset! Her goal setting, constant evaluation of her current position, and her willingness to make changes, were all deeply embedded aspects of her day-to-day life. If she needed to work more, she did it. If she needed to change jobs, she did it. If she needed to research and apply for grants or scholarships, she just did it. Hannah stayed up late. She got up early. She worked hard! Yes, anyone who knew her knew that she was extremely industrious, and that she just did whatever she needed to do in order to accomplish whatever goal or task was in front of her.
As I was thinking about this part of her character, I was reminded of two things in the Bible that seem to tie in nicely to this. The first thought begins in Ephesians 4:14 and James 1:6. In these two passages we are challenged to not be tossed around like waves of the sea. The passage in James says that faithlessness or a weak faith is the cause of such a life. This life is full of ups and downs, and it seems to be unsettled, aimless, and is easily influenced by whatever fad, philosophy, or whim the world around it brings. In one word the Bible would call this life, ungrounded. A knowledgeable, informed faith is the anchor or grounding that our lives need, especially when the storms of life blow. Perhaps in remembrance of His carpenter days, Jesus presents another analogy for a grounded life.
In Matthew 7:24-27 He says that our lives are either built on the sands of this world or else they are built on a foundation of bedrock, based on our obedience to His word. Verse 24 says that we need to do more than just hear His words, we need to DO them. Know, apply, and use His word to establish your faith in order to live a well-grounded life. This faith provides direction, support, and stability. It keeps us from drifting, from crashing on the rocks of life, and it prevents us from crumbling when the storms of life come, because it’s a firm foundation rather than shifting sand. Anyone who has stood on the beach, ankle deep in the waves of the ocean, knows the feeling of that sand being pulled out from under them as each wave recedes. Paul says in I Corinthians 15:58, “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” and always knowing that our labor is not in vain when it is done for Him. “Just Do It”
The second thought that I had was based on a different angle to this. In Revelation 3:14-22, we see God saying to the church at Laodicea that He cannot stand “lukewarmness”. He wants the church to be either “hot or cold” but not somewhere in the middle. He says that He just wants to spit that kind of church (or life) out! (vs. 16) In the following verse He attributes this “lukewarmness” or perhaps I will use the word complacency, to their prosperity. They seem to think that they need nothing, yet He tells them that their true condition is miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, and naked! Wow! In the remaining verses He advises them to come to Him in order to find true riches, clothing, and ointment for their eyes. Submission to His loving correction and discipline seems to be the only “hope” that they have. In verse 20 He says that He is standing at the door and is knocking. He seeks loving, tender fellowship with all who will “hear His voice, open the door, and let Him in”. Don’t live lukewarm. Get in and grow your faith or get out. Don’t fake it. “Just Do It”.
Remember, “just doing it” begins by taking the first step. Turn your faith into action. Start today. Just Do It!
We are blessed
Hannah Helps 