Remain Steadfast
Over the last month, I have had a number of people ask me about a number of issues that are prominent in our culture today. For some, they ask me these questions because they are interested in finding out how I personally feel about a particular issue. For the majority, however, they are not asking for my opinion as much as they want to be reassured that God has it under control and that everything is going to be okay. My encouragement to many has been, “remain steadfast”.
The word “steadfast” means to be resolute in determination, unwavering, immovable and not subject to change. We can trust that God is the same yesterday, today and forever and His promises are sure. God’s desire for us is to remain steadfast and anchored to Him and His Word. Culture may change but God and His Word stand forever!
As we process through the changing tides of culture, I want to share with you my pastoral reflections about the world in which we live and how we can respond as believers in Christ.
Thought #1 = Swimmers swim and sinners’ sin!
In other words, we cannot expect non-Christians to think and act like Christians. People who are not followers of Christ will not hold Christian values or fight for God’s viewpoint on social issues. We cannot get frustrated by non-Christians acting like non-Christians. What we must do is remain steadfast in His Word, allow the Word to frame our worldview and then be light in darkness. Let’s believe together that God’s “truth in love” will set people free.
Thought #2 = Our cultural opponents are not our enemies; they are our mission field!
We will not win any body to Christ by compromising Biblical truth, but neither will we win them by despising them. The Church has always been involved in a mission that is beyond our ability which is why we need God. We must remember that apart from Christ we can do nothing. Let’s stay connected to the vine called Jesus so that we will know what to say and how to say it.
Thought #3 = The Church is and has always been counter-cultural!
Whether it was Joseph in Potiphar’s house, Israel under Pharaoh’s rule, Daniel in Babylon, the early Christians in Rome, or the underground church in China, the church has always gone against the current of culture. If you are truly a Bible believing Christian, your views will always be counter-cultural. We must remember that the Church is at its best when we offer an alternative to the darkness of the world and not a watered-down version of pseudo-Christianity.
Thought #4 = Bitterness, frustration and hopelessness are not the fruit of the Spirit!
I want to announce to you today that the sky is not falling! Remember that the Church is at its best when it lives in stark contrast to the culture around it. Be filled with hope because the best days of the Church are right in front of us! Remember that the early Church lived in a day when immorality was rampant, yet they turned the known world upside down for God. How should we respond then? Respond in ways that are consistent with Biblical beliefs and Christ-centered identity. Do not panic, fear or over-react. As you are processing through the cultural issues of our day, balance humility and holiness, truth and love, and conviction and compassion. Embrace our identity as “foreigners and strangers” in this world (1 Peter 2:11-12).
Thought #5 = Believers believe!
We are called believers for a reason! How do we remain steadfast in this season of cultural darkness? Solidify your thinking in a Biblical worldview. Pick up one of our Bible Reading Plans and jump in. Pray for a spiritual awakening in our nation and for a Holy Spirit outpouring. Courageously defend your faith with wisdom and sensitivity under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, make your life a living testimony of God in your life. Always remember the words of the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth:
1 Corinthians 15:58 (CSB) – “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
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