Being Steadfastness in the Faith

In a world where there is constant change; where change is no longer a step by step process, but is an instant commodity, being “steadfast” is not generally the norm.

What is steadfastness?  Being steadfast is standing firm, immovable, determined, persevering in spite of discouragement or opposition.  In loose terms, it could be described as “hanging in there”.

Sound difficult?  Not really.  The Word of God speaks of steadfastness as a good and normal part of a Christian’s personality.  I Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  When we purpose in our heart to serve the Lord in whatever we do, and continue to serve Him to the best of our ability, not giving into the temptation to waver, we are being steadfast.

How quickly we can change if we give in to temptation.  In America, we can find a way instantly to get something we want, even if we can’t afford it.  It’s called “Instant Credit”!  One minute you might think of something you would like, but don’t have money to buy, but with instant credit, you can have it right now and pay later.  It doesn’t really matter whether you can afford it or not. 

It’s that easy to change from stead-fastness in the faith to follow every whim of doctrine. We hear they are doing a new thing at the church down the road and maybe, we reason, the Lord can use me more there.  We reason that it’s true, God wants every Christian to own a new Cadillac, and you really could use a better car.  Maybe you heard that to be more spiritual, you need to laugh for long periods of time, or ”bark like a dog“ in the spirit; they are doing that in Florida and it certainly is a nicer climate in the winter.

We can reason ourselves into change at any time.  But what about being steadfast? The prophet Isaiah knew what it meant when he said, “I have set my face like a flint”. (Isaiah 50:7)  He had made up his mind to do God’s will no matter whom or what came against him.

We, as Christians today, can also set our face like a flint and purpose in our heart to remain steadfast in the place or situation that God has us in.  If God has placed us in a ministry, then He is not going to call us instantly into another one, even if it appears to be more exciting. If God calls you out, it won’t be without preparation.  He is not going to take you from answering phones to being the president of a company [unless you own the company].  It will be a step by step process.  Paul tells us in Phil. 2:12 that we must even “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling”. Only Jesus can save us, but once we receive salvation, there are things He has called us to do. In other words, salvation must express itself in progressive Christian living and upright character.  On a scale of 1 to 10 how are you doing?

“For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”(Hebrews 3:14)