When I think of the word, “Steadfast,” I think of longevity. Paul encouraged the Christians in Colossae to “continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard” (Col. 1:23). In our life of service to Christ and his church we are to “continue in the faith” year after year, “not moved away” from our hope of eternal life.
Demas was a worker with Paul, but he was not steadfast, as Paul wrote, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:9) Many today have followed his example. In giving the explanation of the Sower, Jesus said that some disciples will be like the seed upon rocky ground, “they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away” (Lu. 8:13). If all the people we have baptized were to have remained steadfast, our churches would be overflowing.
How “Steadfast” have you been in the Lord? When was the last time you missed attending church worship service? Years? Last week? Since your baptism, has your faithfulness to the Lord been measured by months or decades? Paul said of his life in Christ, “I have finished the course, I have kept the faith,” He was rewarded for his longevity with “a crown of life” (2 Tim. 4:7,8). True, our salvation is not totally based on our attendance record, or longevity of service. Yet, “Steadfast” is an important characteristic of a faithful Christian life.
-Dennis Doughty
