Stand Firm!

Larry Mancini

 

“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”

Abraham Lincoln

 

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.

 Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, 

because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

(1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)

 

These words by the Apostle Paul were not written to arrogant people who couldn’t care less what others thought about them or the work they were doing for the Kingdom. On the contrary, they were written to sensitive people for whom the kingdom of God was their highest priority—but who wondered if what they were doing for God and the church was worthwhile. These words were written to people who were ready to give up.

 

My “prime time” to think about these things is Friday evening, after my work week is finished. It often takes place after I have worked hard at some project and the results were not what I hoped they would be. It happens when someone confronts me with an error I have made or criticizes me for doing something that was not perfectly done. It happens when I look at other people my age and see all they have accomplished, and I seem to be so far behind them. These are the times when I need to read this verse. Tonight is one of those times.

 

Lord, I am your servant. Help me not to compare myself with others but to be content with the person you are helping me to become. I need to be reminded to not give up or give in to mediocrity when serving you. Help me this evening to stand firm, regroup and get ready for some wonderful things that you have in the works for me! Beginning tomorrow. Amen!

 

If you wish to contact the writer personally, his email address is: larryamancinijr@verizon.net.