Stand Firm

Jan 10, 2022

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

- Abraham Lincoln

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...

- St. Peter, 1 Peter 5:8-9a

As we embark on a New Year, it is that time when many make New Year’s resolutions. They can be related to our physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. We resolve to lose “X” amount of pounds, work out more often, eat better, take more time for ourselves, read more, and to spend more time with God, both in corporate worship and personal quiet time.

Unfortunately, regardless of the resolution, all too often, they rarely make it past the month of January.

This year, two key words have become my focus: consistency and sustainability.

Whatever goals I set, whether for me or for our church family, my desire and commitment is that they are those that create consistency and sustainability, actions and behaviors that can be performed regularly and don’t fade away with the passing of time.

As Abraham Lincoln reminds us, it means first planting our feet in the right place, then standing firm.

I know it is not a coincidence that, thirty-four times in the Bible, the phrase “stand firm” is used. It is all about consistency and sustainability. Here are just a few of them...

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

- King David, Psalm 40:2

The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

- King Solomon, Proverbs 12:7

Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

- Jesus, Mark 13:13

Stand firm, and you will win life.

- Jesus, Luke 21:19

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

- The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:58

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.

- St. Paul, Philippians 1:27

We can absolutely count on the fact that our faith will be tested and challenged. We will be pulled and stretched, and even lured into situations and circumstances that will drag us down and away from our faith. But, when our feet are firmly planted in the right place, or more importantly, in the right person, the person of Jesus Christ, we will stand firm.