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| STANDING FAST by Cadi Nobles |
| “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath set you free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” Galatians 5:1 Anyone that has been a Christian for a few years can tell you that it is not the “big trials” that really test your faith, but the day-to-day struggle of being faithful to your standard that can prove the toughest challenge. It is so easy to allow your standard to slowly fall or relax when things seem to be running smoothly. The scripture says “the little foxes, that spoil the vines”(Song of Solomon 2:15). This is where “standing fast in the liberty of Christ” is so vitally important. To stand in the strength of His liberty and stay committed to freedom of His Love. But what exactly is the “liberty of Christ?” What are we set free from? The liberty is the freedom that we have in our spirits after we become saved and our sins have been forgiven by His precious blood. No longer are we condemned to serve sin, or to be shackled by its desires. We are free from the bondage of sin, and delivered from its hold. Rather than living in the lust of the flesh and the pride of the eyes, we can turn our eyes upon Jesus, and follow His will. This is something that an unsaved person simply cannot do. They may try to break old habits, or become a “better person,” but they really can’t change themselves. Broken habits are only replaced by new habits. And the “better person” that they try to be, can quickly be lost in a moment of anger or frustration. Yet, the scripture makes it very clear that a saved person can also find themselves “entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Even after the gift of salvation is received, sin will carry its sting if we allow it back into our lives. Christians are not immune to this, and many will fall into the trap. The “small foxes” of lust, greed, and envy are always there to trouble our souls. Allowing just one of these back into our lives, can open the gate for others to enter. It really is important to be ever-diligent in the faith. To hold our conversation upright, at all times, is an absolute of Christianity. Even in the times of peace, when there isn’t an obvious trial or battle raging in our lives, we can be sure that Satan has not relaxed his attack upon our souls. Every moment of everyday provides an opportunity for the Devil to try a different approach or another angle. Standing fast isn’t an option, it is a command. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6 |
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