The applications for the call to steadfastness are myriad. As we live our lives here on earth, we are challenged. There are tests of our faith that come through temptation, trial, even success. The devil is quite willing and capable to use anything in our existence to seek our spiritual demise. The loss of a loved one can cause despair. Difficulties with health or age can cause severe depression. The elation of financial or professional success can change our priorities to self rather than God. We could go on and on.
All of these can impact a Christian’s faith. The Lord calls upon each man to “deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-24). But each of us can supply personal anecdotes relating how Jesus’ call is often unheeded. Those personal anecdotes from time to time may be extremely personal – we ourselves may be the one’s who falter.
The Lord’s advice is to consider the value of steadfastness. When we recognize our preeminent purpose in life is to prepare ourselves for eternity, it makes our commitment seem worthy of any sacrifice. Paul put it this way: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
