Daily Devotion for May 16, 2006

Steadfast?

 

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18

 

I recently received an email from a Christian Brother who had recently watched one of the Bible Study DVD’s that I do.  It was open, friendly, mostly constructive feedback. I’d love to say I hear, apply and never get hurt feelings when I receive “constructive” feedback, but I’d be lying. An area where I need improvement (I talk and move too fast) was pointed out and, honestly, it hurt. My first reaction was to react. I even considered firing off an email that said “I don’t talk too fast you just listen too slowly”, but then I realized that would not be the most Christian thing to do, in fact it would NOT be Christian. 

 

 The email ended with a statement, “ …these ideas are meant to only be constructive.” It was a nicely worded request for a change in my behavior - talk slower and slow down.

 

Today’s scriptures include encouragement to be careful about the wickedness of the world and not to let it distract us from being steadfast in our walk.

 

 Steadfast

 

Now that’s an old and even somewhat antiquated word that we don’t often use today. So I looked it up. Would you like to see what I found? Great. In Webster’s 1828 Dictionary being steadfast is listed as, “…that which gives stability or security.” It also means “fast fixed; firmly established,” and “constant, resolute, not fickle or wavering.” Steadfast also means being consistent. Not just in growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ but also in the many things we do each and every day. The word of God is not meant merely to be constructive (or suggestive) but rather it is meant for our correction and instruction in righteousness. So, being steadfast for me today means working to speak slower and not move so fast.  What does it mean to you today? What changes do you need to make in how you think or act?

 

Prayer
Dear Lord, I fall short of your glory often. I fail you. I am not always careful with the details of my life that could easily be misinterpreted. I want to be steadfast and faithful in showing your love to others. Forgive me, please. Strengthen me with your love and your Word. I don’t want to be fickle or distracting. I want to be a beacon of your love. Help me to take action one moment at a time. Amen.

 

---

 Did someone send you this Devotion? Would you like to receive future ones directly? Click here to subscribe.

Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom