Living out our faith in a fallen world has challenged believers throughout history. Jesus calls the journey of faith the narrow road for good reason. Matthew 7:13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [1]
When we live out our faith, we walk the narrow path that is often unpopular. The culture may persecute us, so we need the Lord’s strength. We are on a journey, but we don’t have to journey alone, for the Lord is with us. Sometimes, amid our struggles, we forget that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and His angels minister to us. The enemy works hard to discourage us, so we lose perspective and give up. The Lord calls us to depend on Him so we have the strength, courage, and peace to fulfill His plan.
Standing for the Faith is a Choice
Life gives us choices, and standing for the faith is one. Doing so may cost you a relationship, a job, or something significant in your life. Haman was second only to the King of Persia in power. King Xerxes had commanded that the king’s officials bow before Haman. Haman was vengeful, and those not bowing to him risked their jobs and lives. Would Mordecai, a Jew, bow down before Haman like he was some type of god?
Esther 3:3 Then, the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?” 4 They spoke to him day after day, but still, he refused to comply with the order. So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct, since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew. [2] Later in our story, we discover that Mordecai’s actions would have resulted in his death if not for God’s intervention.
Building Your House on the Rock
We must build on a firm foundation to live our faith in a fallen world. Building on sand is the way of the world and seems excellent until the flood. Building on a solid foundation requires more work and often opposition.
Matthew 7:24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come, and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” [3]
It has been decades since I was in high school, and it has become evident which friends built their houses on a firm foundation and which did not. The narrow road is difficult, but the Lord does not forget His faithful children today and in eternity. To learn more about living out our faith in a fallen world, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/dastardly-plots
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.