“Yes, it’s different to be a Christian and live out biblical values in today’s world, but . . . it has never been easy in any era. The answer is not to give up; it’s to keep drawing closer to God and tap into the power He puts within you Lean in, even when it’s hard. . . . The issue here is not simply perseverance. It’s whether we really believe and trust God.”- Chip Ingram
As Chip Ingram moves on in Chapter 7 of I Choose Joy, he relates that the apostle Paul, in essence, told the believers at Philippi to take great care not to turn into Christians who fail to act like Christians. Certainly, they must witness their love of Jesus through their words. But their values, behavior, morality, priorities, and relationships also must tell the same story.
Therefore, things begin to change when you obey God. Because He changes what happens on the inside of you. As a result, He provides what you need in that situation or relationship. In addition, Paul tells the believer that he wants to hear three specific things. Things that indicate whether their life consistently aligns with God’s purposes.
1. Don’t give up. Paul wanted to know that the believers at Philippi were standing firm in one spirit. In other words, Paul told them not to give up. Even when the forces against you appear stronger than the faith inside you.
In conclusion, Pastor Ingram urges us to stand firm:
“When you trust Him . . . you become a light in this world and the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13-16). That’s the kind of lifestyle that makes a difference, even when you don’t see the difference it’s making. At some point, God will honor your faithfulness. But you have to stand firm and not give up. . . .
A lot of Christians have forgotten that. Most people in our society today see very few differences between the average Christian and the average non-Christian. They see our priorities, our behavior, our morality, and ethics, and many of them think, If it’s not any different, why should I follow Jesus?”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you lean in, even when it’s hard? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Stuck in our issues?”