Abiding in the Vine
In a world of shifting sands and uncertain times, the call to be a strong Christian resounds with unwavering urgency. Being strong in the faith is not optional; it is commanded by the Lord Himself. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Cor. 16:13). This strength is not rooted in human effort but in the divine empowerment given by God through His Word and Spirit, a source of unwavering reassurance and confidence.
The foundation of strength for the Christian lies in a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. Jesus declared, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). True strength comes from abiding in Christ, drawing near to Him daily in prayer, and feeding on the riches of His Word. This vital connection makes us feel connected and secure in our faith, without which our spiritual vitality withers, and our strength fails.
Moreover, to be a strong Christian is to stand firm in sound doctrine. Paul admonished Timothy, "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 1:13). In an age where false teaching abounds, and the truth is often compromised, we must cling to the unchanging truths of Scripture. This strength is not found in popular opinion or cultural trends but in the eternal, infallible Word of God, making us feel steadfast and unwavering in our beliefs.
The strong Christian also engages in the battle of faith. Paul commands us to "put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (Eph. 6:11). The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground. We must be equipped with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Strength is needed to resist the enemy, to stand firm in trials, and to persevere in the face of persecution.
Furthermore, to be strong in the Lord requires a commitment to holiness. Peter urges us, "but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy'" (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Strength is not merely external; it is rooted in a pure heart and a life set apart for God. A strong Christian resists the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and pursues righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Finally, strength is sustained through the hope we have in Christ. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). The Christian's strength is not self-derived but flows from Christ, who is our all in all. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, we are empowered to run the race set before us with endurance, knowing that the Lord is our strength and our shield.
