Despite the fact I’ve been a follower of Jesus for decades, I continue to make monumental mistakes, dumb decisions, and chump choices.
I know the way, I know the truth, and I know the Author of Life. Yet I often stumble, and occasionally fall.
The question is, why? Especially after all these years.
The answer is because I’m often hesitant to stand on solid ground. Indeed, the Bible is replete with many admonitions to stand against temptations of many sorts. That includes the temptation to simply do things my way.
The ancient Old Testament book of Jeremiah exhorts us to stand, stating, This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
It’s interesting because, as every athlete knows, one’s stance is everything.
In the New Testament, Jesus provides us a description on how to stand, saying, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Saint Paul elaborates on the concept of standing firm: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Later, Paul says it like this: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
The takeaway is straightforward. I need to stand, and stand firm. Such a stance empowers us to take the proper exit along life’s highway.
