However, you must remain firmly established and steadfast in the faith, without being moved from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Colossians 1:23
This is an encouraging word from Apostle Paul; be firmly established in the faith. Most people today are established but loosely, and this poses a danger of them being easily moved.
Ever heard of the slang ‘no shaking’ before? If you have, then you would understand it connotes a state of stability and intactness. When one is firm it means they are resistant to externally applied pressure. It could also mean they are constant; steadfast and securely fixed in place. Note, there is pressure but they are resistant to it. The King James Version of the Bible uses the word ‘grounded’ which really means deeply rooted.
Another word used in this passage is the word ‘established’ which means to be placed or settled in a secure position or condition; to be installed. We are admonished to be steadfast also, unwavering, unchanging and to be set in our ways. Do you see how this relates to choices? Please understand the context in which I am using this, change is a good thing and most times inevitable but if you are ever changing and inconsistent, that’s nothing to write home about.
The word ‘settled’ has been used in KJV and this suggests to me that there is a tendency for something to be deeply rooted and yet not firmly put into a desired position or place. For a moment, I want you to think agriculturally, the position of a seed although firmly rooted may have an effect on how it grows. Are you gaining something?
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Ephesians 4:14(NLT)
See? When you are grounded, it is impossible for you to be tossed and blown. Selah! The wind may blow, but you’ll stand firm in faith and not be moved. These are the last of the last days, God’s pouring out his spirit on all, and the mountain of the Lord’s house is being established the highest of all, but at the same time, scoffers are loose; many are falling away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of devils.
You need to stand firm in the faith, on that conviction you had of God being the creator and ruler of all things, a provider who can create an open door for you and not leave you destitute. Your belief in the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, your salvation, a deliverer who cares and is constantly saving you from trouble.
We’re going to delve deeper next time; I hope you have read a thing or two that you’ll walk away with. Stay Blessed.
Related Journal:
Stand Firm – Part 2
Gear Up!