Do You Stand Firm?

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV)

My word for 2019 is believe. I have spent many moments thinking about this word and how it impacts my life – both today and in the future. I have taken time to consider what I believe to be true in relation to the Word of God.

One thing I have turned to is the Nicene Creed. I memorized it over thirty years ago when I was in catechism class, but I’ve found a new appreciation for it as an adult. Over the last couple months, my kids and I have incorporated reciting it as part of our morning homeschool time, and they, too, have now memorized it.

I am thankful for the clear-cut outlines that define my beliefs and are the backbone for my faith. The creed begins:

“I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

begotten of his Father before all worlds.”

The simplicity of it is beautiful.

Recently, I was in a situation where I didn’t agree theologically with what another person was sharing. While what they were sharing didn’t contradict the beliefs outlined in the Nicene Creed, they didn’t align with what I believe to be truth based on the Word of God.

In today’s post-modern society, people’s belief of what is truth differs greatly.

What some Christians view as sin, other Christians may see as acceptable. They may even affirm it.

The sanctity of life, for example, is a battleground of opposing beliefs.

I don’t know about you, but many days, I feel like my beliefs are under attack. Everything inside me, what I hold to be true, and the convictions I believe to be from God, others discard and dismiss.

I wish I could tell you that when I was in that situation, I spoke up—that I defended my beliefs. Unfortunately, though, I did not. My modus operandi in situations of potential is to walk away, to be silent. I do not want to stir the pot. However, later, during my time of prayer, it became clear to me that I had been silent out of fear. Fear of confrontation, fear of hurting the relationship, and fear of what the other person would think of me. Being silent was not honoring the convictions God placed on my heart. I was not standing firm. And I don’t think I am alone in my silence.

I believe that as a Christian, I am called to take a stand for what I believe. Does that mean that I need to cause a commotion and point fingers? Absolutely not! However, I do believe that if someone makes a statement I do not believe aligns with the Word of God, I can—and should—share what I believe to be the truth, in love.

Christian, I believe that now, more than ever, we need to stand firm in our faith and our beliefs. We need to speak up and not be silent. We need to overcome the fear of what others might think of us and hold tight to the Word of God. Our voices matter.

While I do believe there are many times when it is better to hold our tongues, defending our faith is not one of them. I want to stand firm, and I pray that you do, too.

Dear heavenly Father, I pray that you will pour out your Spirit on your sons and daughters, that we would be filled with your power and be willing to be bold and stand firm in our faith. Lord, I pray that when we are challenged because of our beliefs and convictions, we can honor and share what you have revealed to us as truth. Lord, help us to glorify you in all we say and do. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:13-15 NIV)

“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.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)

“Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13 NIV)

“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 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” (Philippians 1:27-28 NIV)

Reach for More

Have you shied away from conversations out of fear? Have you been silent when you felt like you should have spoken truth? Take time to talk to the One who has placed your beliefs and convictions on your heart. Stand firm.

Heather Gerwing is a homeschooling mom of four. She is a Jersey girl at heart but now lives in Michigan with her husband Jeff and their kids. Heather enjoys reading, coffee-ing, worshipping and writing. She is passionate about her family and living the full life. You can find her at heathergerwing.com.

Photograph © Chris Montgomery, used with permission