Leading The Way - Week of November 28
November 28, 2022
Spiritual Stability
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
To stand firm in faith, we must cultivate the joy of the Lord in our life.
Read Philippians 4:1-9.
Spiritual stability is the burden of most, if not all, the writers of the New Testament; they plead with us to stand firm, hold fast, and contend for the faith. In 1 Thessalonians 3:8, Paul explains, “For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” When God’s people have the joy of the Lord, they stand firm in faith—they live abundantly, tasting even today the promises of heaven. Likewise, if we want to live in spiritual stability, we must take care to maintain our joy.
In Philippians 4:1-9, Paul describes four ways to maintain joy in the Lord. First, be united with other believers by majoring on the majors—that means uphold Biblical Truth, but submit to one another in minor matters of opinion. Second, rejoice in the Lord by spending time with Him. Third, when you are tempted to complain, talk to God—bring your burdens to Him and receive His peace. And fourth, fill your mind with godly thoughts, remembering that you are what you think.
Spiritual instability is dangerous; it leads to spiritual burnout and discouragement, to doubt and total ineffectiveness in the ministry of Christ. But the joy of the Lord has the power to stabilize our souls and minister to others for eternity if only we will take care to cultivate it.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the body of believers; help us follow You together with grace and mercy for one another. May I turn to You in all things and think according to the goodness of Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
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