4 Ways to Remain Grounded and Steadfast in Your Faith
In the New Testament of the Bible, Paul wrote a letter to the Colossian church.
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant." - Colossians 1:21-23
During this time, the Colossian church was falling prey to heretical teaching and “empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
Here are 4 ways to remain grounded and steadfast in the faith that we may not shift away from the hope of the gospel we hear:
#1. Study the Scriptures for yourself.
In this day and age of technology and complete information we have at the click of a button, it is easy to find myself immersed in studying specific Christian authors. I read commentaries, listen to podcasts and sermons, all at the expense of my relationship with God. According to Joshua 1:8, we are to “meditate on it (Scripture) day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” There is nothing wrong with studying Scripture through the lens of a more experienced theologian or preacher, but don’t let it replace God speaking to you directly through His Word.
#2. Test what you hear from human commands with the truth of His commands.
God has given us His Word that we may stand on truth. Psalm 19:7 states, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” His law is perfect, and His ways are sure. We never have to wonder if human teaching is on the Word of God. We have access to God’s Word for ourselves. Let us not assume that all teachings are true. May we be diligent in our study of the Word. Ask God to reveal His truth in His Word clearly to us.
#3. Repent of your own false beliefs.
There are past, present, and future times in which we will speak something false. This is due to our limited understanding of truth. We must remove the plank out of our own eye before removing the speck out of a brother’s eye. We all have inconsistencies in our understanding. This reinforces the importance of studying the Scriptures and challenging our understanding of the Scriptures. Remain grounded!
#4. Pray that you may stay grounded in the faith.
God desires for you to follow Him, and being a follower of Him is being a follower of truth. If you ask in faith and believe, God will reveal His truth to you. Matthew 21:22 states, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.” Pray for God to remove any false doctrine from your mind and replace it with the truth of His way.
Related Post: What Your Prayers Reveal About Your Faith
May we rest assured in the peace and truth God is revealing to us daily. God has spoken the truth that we may remain grounded and steadfast in the faith. May we hold true to this that we may not shift away from the eternal, everlasting hope of Jesus Christ.