IF YOU had to travel on a stormy sea, what kind of vehicle would you choose? Would you like a fragile, small boat or a sturdy, well-built boat? You will undoubtedly choose the craft, since it can withstand huge waves.
As we go through this stormy and dangerous system of things, we face daunting challenges. For example, young people are sometimes confused and insecure in the midst of confusing ideas and fashions. Individuals who have recently embarked on the Christian course may still feel uncertain. Even some who have been steadfast and faithful in God's service may suffer trials because their hopes have not been fully realized.
Such feelings are not new. Faithful servants of Jehovah, such as Moses, Job, and David, have at times felt some anxiety too. (Numbers 11:14, 15; Job 3: 1-4; Psalm 55: 4) However, the course of their life reflected strong devotion to Jehovah. Their fine example encourages us to be steadfast as well, but Satan the Devil wants us to be distracted from the race for everlasting life. (Luke 22:31) So how can we remain firm and “firm in the faith”? (1 Peter 5: 9) And how can we strengthen our fellow believers?
Jehovah Wants Us to Be Steadfast
If we are faithful to Jehovah, he will always be there to help us maintain our stability. The psalmist David faced many distressing circumstances, but he relied on God and sang: “[Jehovah] brought me out of a deep pit, out of the mire of the pit. Then he set my feet on a large rock; he has firmly established my steps. ”- Psalm 40: 2.
Jehovah encourages us to fight “the fine fight of the faith” so that we can “get a firm hold on the everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 6:12) He also provides the means for us to remain steadfast and to succeed in our endeavors. spiritual warfare. The apostle Paul urged fellow Christians to “go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength,” and “put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil.” (Ephesians 6: 1) 10-17) But how can we be unsteady? And how can we withstand such dangerous influences?
Beware of Weak Factors
It is wise to keep in mind this important truth: Our decisions will ultimately affect our Christian stability in both positive and negative ways. Young people are faced with decisions about careers, further education, and marriage. Adults can decide whether to move elsewhere or get more work. We make daily decisions about the use of time and many other things. What will help us to make wise decisions that will contribute to our stability as God's servants? One longtime Christian said: “I ask for Jehovah's help when making decisions. I believe it is important to accept and apply the counsel given in the Bible, in Christian meetings, through the elders, and in Bible-based publications. ”
When making decisions, we do well to ask ourselves: 'Five or ten years from now, will I be happy with the decisions I am making now, or will I regret them? Do I endeavor to make sure that my decisions do not weaken me spiritually but contribute to my spiritual advancement? '- Philippians 3:16.
Overcoming temptations or allowing oneself to lead to almost breaking God's commandments has caused some baptized individuals to have a shaky life. Some who have been disfellowshipped from the congregation because of their unrepentant practice of the sinful course have worked hard to restore it, only to be disfellowshipped — sometimes even backward — for doing the same. Is it because they did not pray to God to help them 'hate the wicked and cling to what is good'? (Romans 12: 9; Psalm 97:10) We all need to “make straight paths for our feet.” (Hebrews 12:13) Let us, then, consider some points that can help us to maintain our integrity. spiritual stability.
Stay Steadfast Through Christian Work
One way to keep pace with the race for life is to do more in the Kingdom-preaching work. Yes, our Christian ministry is a vital aid in keeping our heart and mind focused on doing God's will and striving for everlasting life. In this regard, Paul urged the Corinthians: “My beloved brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. . ” (1 Corinthians 15:58) “Firm” means “firmly anchored in one place.” “Immovable” can refer to “not letting go of resentment.” Thus, being preoccupied with our ministry can have a stabilizing effect on our Christian path. Helping other people to get to know Jehovah gives meaning to our lives and brings us happiness. — Acts 20:35.
Pauline, a Christian who has spent more than 30 years in the missionary field and in other areas of the full-time ministry, says: “The ministry is a protection because witnessing to others proves to me that I really have the truth. ” The same can be said of regular participation in other Christian activities, such as attending meetings for worship and engaging in diligent personal Bible study.
Strengthened by a Loving Brotherhood
Being part of the worldwide organization of true worshipers can have a powerful effect on our stability. What a blessing it is to be part of such a loving, worldwide brotherhood! (1 Peter 2:17) And we can have the same strengthening effect on our fellow believers.
Consider the helpful actions of the upright man Job. Even the false comforter Eliphaz was forced to admit: “Your word is a stumbling block to your mouth; and the knees that are soft you will strengthen. ” (Job 4: 4) What about us in this regard? We as individuals have the responsibility to help our spiritual brothers and sisters to endure in God's service. As we deal with them, we can act in the spirit of the words: "Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees." (Isaiah 35: 3) So why not make it your aim to strengthen and encourage one or two fellow Christians at every opportunity? (Hebrews 10:24, 25) The upbuilding words of commendation and appreciation for their continued efforts to please Jehovah can truly help them to remain steadfast in the hope of winning the race for life.
Christian elders can do much good by encouraging new ones. This can be done by offering helpful suggestions and good Scriptural counsel and by working with them in the field ministry. The apostle Paul always took advantage of opportunities to encourage others. He longed to see the Christians in Rome so that he could help them to grow spiritually. (Romans 1:11) He viewed his beloved brothers as “his joy and crown” and admonished them to “stand firm in the Lord.” (Philippians 4: 1) When he heard of his brothers' plight. In Thessalonica, Paul sent Timothy “to strengthen them and to comfort them so that no one would be able to bear them.” - 1 Thessalonians 3: 1-3.
The apostles Paul and Peter acknowledged and appreciated the faithful efforts of their fellow worshipers. (Colossians 2: 5; 1 Thessalonians 3: 7, 8; 2 Peter 1:12) In a similar way, let us consider, not our brothers' weaknesses, but their fine qualities and their successful struggle to remain steadfast and honor Jehovah.
If we are negative or critical, we may inadvertently make it difficult for some to remain firm in the faith. How fitting that we remember our brothers and sisters being “skinned and thrown about” in this system of things! (Matthew 9:36) In the Christian congregation, they are to find comfort and solace. May we, therefore, do all we can to strengthen fellow believers and help them to remain steadfast.
From time to time, others may deal with us in a way that reduces our resilience. Will we allow hurtful comments or unkind acts to weaken our service to Jehovah? May we never allow anyone to draw us away from our stability! —2 Peter 3:17.
God's Promises — A Stabilizing Influence
Jehovah's promise of a marvelous future under Kingdom rule gives us hope that helps us to maintain our stability. (Hebrews 6:19) And the conviction that God always fulfills his promises motivates us to “stay awake and stand firm in the faith.” (1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 3: 6) The seeming delay in fulfillment some of God's promises may test our faith. It is vital, then, that we do not allow ourselves to be swayed by false teachings and distorted by our hope. — Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 13: 9.
The bad example of the Israelites who perished because of their lack of faith in Jehovah's promises should serve as a warning to us. (Psalm 78:37) Instead of being like them, may we be steadfast, serving God with urgency in these last days. “I am living each day as if the great day of Jehovah is coming tomorrow,” said one experienced elder. — Joel 1:15.
Yes, Jehovah's great day is near. However, we have nothing to fear as long as we stay close to God. When we hold fast to his righteous standards and remain steadfast, we can successfully complete the race for everlasting life! —Proverbs 11:19; 1 Timothy 6:12, 17-19.
