Not of This Worldنموونە

Day 12: Called to Stand Firm in Christ

In 1965, Charles Schultz, the creator of the comic strip Peanuts, clashed with television producers. Charles insisted on keeping 2 whole minutes of the character Linus reading a bible passage about the birth of Jesus in the special Christmas TV episode “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Despite television executives thinking that it would be a disaster, the program ran with Charles’ vision and was so critically acclaimed that it was subsequently reran every year from 1966 till 2000. Yet, Charles, who at one time was a fervent Christian, eventually abandoned his Christian beliefs before he passed away.

Many of us would be surprised that someone like Charles, whose unwavering faith in God that led him to make such a bold stand would eventually stop believing in God. The Apostle Peter, on the other hand, was fully aware of the realities of the spiritual war happening beyond our physical sight. Even for those of us without many obvious and outward struggles, Peter exhorts us to be alert and have a sober mind because the devil is constantly seeking for opportunities to tempt us away from Christ (verse 8). Hence, Peter summed up his epistle calling both leaders and members to stand firm in the faith by serving selflessly, living in humility and being watchful over their spiritual life.

Seasons will come and go, but spiritual warfare is always ongoing. As we conclude this devotion, are we still abiding in God in areas that we committed to this year? For those who have remained in God through the pruning process, the spiritual fruits will soon come because He is faithful. For those who have been distracted, we need to be watchful over our spiritual lives. Spiritual growth is intentional, as is guarding against spiritual decay. If we are complacent, the devil will find opportunities to draw us away from Christ.

We cannot finish this spiritual race well without building our spiritual life strong. Just as muscles are not built in a day, our spiritual muscles also need tendering and constant exercise. As such, it is important to constantly examine our relationship with God in peace time. For as the world becomes more hostile, there will come a day when we will need to decide to participate as God’s army or not. Regardless of our decision, we will eventually need to account to Christ when He returns.

Prayer points:

• Are you still abiding in God in areas that you committed to at the start of this year? As you take stock of the last few months, pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit to help you continue to abide in Him.
• Is there an area of your life which the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about being watchful for? As you spend time mediating on the passage, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can be vigilant against the devil’s schemes.

Listen:

Firm Foundation (He Won’t) – Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore, Cody Carnes)