115. Standing Firm

"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Mt 10:22)

There's enough verses in the NT to know that we'll be hated for our beliefs, but Mt 10:21 puts this hate into the context of those who are close to you--those you care about.

You know, it doesn't even have to be someone that close to you. Many people already care about what strangers and acquaintances think of them--not to mention those in their own social circles. Because of this, when others disagree with what you've done or how you've done something, you will naturally want to know why so that you don't repeat the mistake.

And this is where standing firm comes in. If people you're around consistently disagree with something about you, you'll likely change it. This is often good. But what if that something were a manifestation of your zeal in servitude or a result of your desire to adhere to the word of God? The fact that someone (even a consistent worker in church) has a problem with it may make you question if you were right to act that way. And we become very different from Paul who didn't change in zeal even when opposed in and out. We are gradually crafted into mellowed-out, lukewarm workers who fear and avoid conflict (and are even taught to do so).

However, this dampened zeal comes at a cost too high to pay. So, let us carefully examine our ways and intentions every time someone shows direct or indirect disapproval (no matter how reputable they are in church). What is their reasoning? Is it based on the Bible? If so, is that the correct interpretation? On the other hand, if they're right and our actions are based on an incorrect interpretation or based on personal opinion, preference, or stubbornness, we may need to change. Conversely, how may we be affecting others? Is it for the better or for the worse?

Only if we stand firm to the end in the unwavering truth can we be saved.