For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
So many things in life we can never be sure of. Health is so very fragile. We don’t know when it could fail. The security of a job is rare at best, and we’ve definitely learned lately our day to day can be turned upside down seemingly overnight. However, there are important things that we should never have a moment’s doubt about.
We can be sure of a home in heaven (John 14:3), God’s love (John 3:16), and God’s care (1 Peter 5:7). There are things I must do to know I can rest assured of these promises.
We must belong to Christ (Matt 16:16-18). This passage brings at least a couple of things to mind. We have to be Christians and wear his name (Acts 11:26), being Christ-like in all we do. Many times we will introduce ourselves or even be known by an occupation or a hobby. There is nothing wrong with this, but if I remind myself that I am a Christian, no matter what I’m doing or where I am so to speak, my manner of conducting myself within any situation, simply putting being Godly first, I will automatically conduct myself as I should no matter the setting.
I must also wholly trust in God’s Word (Psalm 119) to direct me as I travel the straight and narrow (Matt 7). Many times, even among brethren, we hear one’s own opinions and feelings seemingly expressed with equal authority as Scripture. Opinion can cause us to ignore simple facts or simple instructions (2 Kings 5:11). And our thoughts can mislead us. Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Lastly, we must press forward all of our days (Php 3:13-14). The only way I can be sure of my reward is if I never take my eyes off the prize and earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3).
By Jason Barger