October 31: Steadfast, immovable, always excelling

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  (1 Corinthians 15:57,58 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. The words steadfast, immovable, and excelling are to me a summary of what faith demands of us in this world. Jesus was all three throughout His time on earth, and God the Father is also this way. Any time we are tempted to be double-minded, to compromise, or to accept a mediocre life we know that demons are already at work in our hearts and minds. We may not always make the right decisions, or be on the precise track that we need to be on, but as long as we are steadfast, immovable, and always trying to excel in faith and obedience to God, He will be touched and will cause miraculous things to happen.

It’s typical for other Christians to add their two cents when we have this attitude. They accuse us of telling God what to do, being too bold, not waiting on Him, being too impatient, and of being proud. But who commands us to be steadfast, immovable, and always excelling? The Holy Spirit does. He cannot use people who are not passionate about Him. Sure, when we have this stubborn faith we will at times make a mistake and go too far, demand too much, or insist on the wrong thing… but is that such a terrible sin? I have no doubt that God prefers that to being wimpy, scared, and satisfied. He’s looking for people with a fire in their bellies, who want to see great things.

The last phrase of this passage is amazing too: Know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. This was written 2000 years ago, and it’s as if it was written yesterday. Isn’t this what the devil whispers in our ears? When he can’t stop us, he switches tactics and starts to discourage us by telling us that it’s all a waste of time. Resisting temptation, reaching out to others, prayers, Bible reading, church attendance, obeying God when no one’s looking… “It’s not worth it”, he says. But he’s a liar! Huge rewards and blessings are waiting for us — here on earth and in heaven — as long as we are steadfast, immovable, and excelling.

He “gives us the victory” through the Lord Jesus. “Gives” is in the present tense, because His giving is ongoing. As long as we need His help on earth the victories will continue. So I challenge you: pick a problem right now and declare victory over it. Then decide that you will be steadfast, immovable, and always excelling until it is miraculously resolved. — Go for it!