The Christian life begins with a good foundation, but a foundation is meant to be built upon. Jude appeals to us to be "building yourselves up on your most holy faith.” We build through an active relationship with our Lord Jesus and his people, by a deliberate effort to know and live the truth of scripture. We build both individually and corporately.
What Do We Practice
A "Light" Lifestyle
The most common accusation made against followers of Christ is that of hypocrite: we say one thing but do another; our words are inconsistent with our actions. Such accusations are not unfounded: we inevitably will fail from time to time to live up to the perfect standard. The real problem is when we deliberately choose a lifestyle inconsistent with our profession of faith.
Eyewitness of His Majesty
Our hope is based, not on “cleverly devised tales,” but rather the testimony of “eyewitnesses of His majesty.” As such, our hope and lifestyle is not based on philosophy, as with other religions, but upon that which is factual and established by those who were there. This is extremely significant; “we have the prophetic word made more sure” (verse 19). As the saying goes, “you can go to the bank” on this; it is absolutely certain.
Empathy & Compassion through Humility
“all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” 1 Peter 5:5-9.
Humility hardly seems to be a prized quality but, in recent studies by psychologists, it is touted as “not the boldest of personality traits, but it’s an important one.” Studies even indicate that it is “a remarkable character trait …Humility can produce more happiness, positive emotions, and well-being because a person has a clearer understanding of the self.”
Personal benefits aside, our Creator Father places a premium on humility. It is the pathway of grace, whereas pride is fiercely resisted by Him. The way of peace and grace is humility.
Humility extends empathy and compassion to others. It also assesses our inability to manage our cares and concerns, and directs us to cast them on our compassionate Father. Additionally, humility is key in an awareness of the dangers of the spiritual battles that rage around us. Pride puffs us up with a false sense of fitness for combatting the devil and his schemes. Through humility, we bear up under spiritual warfare, and share in the sufferings of others in the family of God undergoing similar experiences.
The priority of humility, elaborated by the apostle Peter, is in sharp contrast that his former way of life. Known for impulsive action, arrogant posturing, and prideful assertions, he obviously learned the way of humility through the failures of pride. His example speaks almost as loudly as his words. There are lessons to be learned from his example and words - today, and every day.
©Steve Taylor, 2025 --Used by permission
Be sure to also see Amazon ebook & print devotional and podcast: New Day Dawning.
Sincere Love
Love can be fickle and transitory. We “love” certain foods, music, books, and activities, but our preferences may change. Even love for a spouse can change in that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. But, the love instilled in God’s people has basis for permanence in that it is based upon something not “perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” It is truly love that will endure because it is based, not on personal whim, but the living, enduring word of God.
Faith Is Believing The Unbelievable
Mental Outlook During Trials
Life’s trials are not automatically beneficial. Unless we make the mental choice to “consider” them a source of joy, they will not be. The idea of joy amidst our most difficult times may see preposterous, but then perhaps we need to be sure we properly understand the word, “joy.” Often it is equated with happiness, and this is not necessarily so. A better understanding is that of abiding optimism - that there is ultimate benefit and a good outcome in spite of the pain of the moment. Joy is grinding through the difficulty with confidence in the results.
Suffering is Evidence of Sonship
Endurance
The Patience of God
“the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 3:20-21.
The Humanity of Jesus
The humanity of Jesus is appealing and comforting. He really does get us because He is one of us, as the writer earlier said: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” Hebrews 4:15. He knows our human frailty and is well able to appropriate the needed resources to help us in our need.
Talk is Cheap
Parting Words
Branch
“Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the LORD. Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the LORD, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices” Zechariah 6:11-13
Vigilance Ever Needed
Vigilance is ever needed in that deception comes in many forms. Personal and group familiarity with truth is essential in avoiding last-day deception. There is never a good time to be lax in study and application of the word of God in that the enemy ever waits to exploit our weakness. Standing firm and always holding on are the watchwords for the people of God. Given the resources of truth and the Spirit of God, we have the essential weapons, but they must ever be appropriated into our lives, individually and as the church.
Mercy & Forgiveness
If ever someone needed mercy and forgiveness, it was the apostle Paul. His own descriptive words convey his guilt: blasphemer, persecutor, and violent aggressor. Completely misguided in his religious zeal, he violently opposed God’s own Son. But, great as his guilt was, “the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.” Grace far outweighted guilt.
Comfort One Another With These Words
The reality of aging is the growing list of those who have preceded us in death. From my current vantage point, it is staggering to consider all those who have died that I have known. And, there will be more. For that reason, these precious words from 1 Thessalonians 4 take on greater meaning and assurance.
Hearing Good Things
Paul would later remark to this church which had brought him such joy: “for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord” 1 Thessalonians 3:8. Those whom we are related to in the faith should similarly bring such joy to us, and especially those whom we have personally assisted in growth. Our greatest joy should be found in those we mentor/disciple.
