“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.” I Corinthians 15:58 NIV

“Stand firm” and its variations are used about 40 times in the Bible. Standing firm on our faith has never been more paramount than now; the pandemic, the political unrest, the protests, the uncertainty, the worries, the divisiveness.

But what does “standing firm” look like? Does it mean getting up on my soap box and condemning the world? Does it mean I stay at home and avoid the issues? Or, more probably, does it mean I try to live my life like Jesus? He lived in the world – the low places, the high places, the everyday places – but wherever He was, He lived His faith.

Jesus loved people, not ideas, not labels, not affiliations, not groups. He loved each person.

Jesus was kind to those He interacted with, treating each with respect and dignity.

Jesus was gentle even in admonishment, considerate of people’s frailties, yet speaking truth.

Jesus was patient with others as He explained and exampled the word of God.

Jesus is what standing firm looks like and is our illustration and the standard for our conduct.

Jesus is a hard act to follow…but is our role model for standing firm in our faith.

This week stand firm. Jesus says, “Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:19 NIV Our “labor” this week is to stand firm on our faith as we deal with all that life throws at us. Let’s pull out all the stops. Let’s love others. Let’s be gentle and patient. Let’s show kindness even to those who may be unkind. Let’s live our faith and change those around us. Let’s win life!

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this we as together we strive to stand firm in our faith.

Blessings and courage and strength!