Standing Firm

What does it mean to stand firm? We are encouraged and exhorted to do so throughout the Bible. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 - So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my dear brothers, 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. Philippians 1:27-30 - 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 one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Take a stand. Don't let people sway you. Don't give in to false teachings, to ease of lifestyle. Don't give in to sin, to temptation, to the works of the flesh. Stand your ground. Why should you not fight? Don't let yourself be trampled. You will be persecuted for Christ's sake if you are following Him. Don't give in. Don't give up. You learned truth through Christ. Don't brush it aside. Everything that should matter to you is from Christ. So take a stand for Him. Why should you give ground to the enemy when Christ, who is the Head of this side you claim to be on, is all-powerful? These are speaking personally. It is each believer's individual responsibility to stand firm. Whether we are obedient to that call does not dismiss the fact that all believers are called to stand firm. Don't give up! Don't lose heart! Act in truth and love. Follow Christ, none other! Lay yourself bare before the Lord. He will protect you and strengthen you. In your weakness, His power is perfect. When we are exhausted and want to give up, when there's nothing left of ourselves to give - STAND FIRM! Be obedient to the Lord your God. He will overcome, as He always has. Standing firm is not inaction; it is not "holding the course" for the sake of keeping the status quo. Standing firm is something that we must do every day of our lives, through the small skirmishes and through the devastating onslaughts - for we do face both - to be refined by the Father for His sake, for His glory.