Stand firm

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  -1 Corinthians 16:13

NFL quarterback Cam Newton on why he gave up baseball: “I quit baseball at 14 because I was afraid of the pitches,” Newton said. “The kids started getting better and throwing faster, and it would’ve hurt getting hit by that ball, so I stopped playing.”

Coaches have to teach players to stay in the box when batting. Keep your head in, attack the ball! A firm stance in the batter’s box is vital for the hitter, and it requires real courage! Standing firm always requires a special kind of bravery, and not everyone can do it.

If you cannot overcome the fear of being hit by a pitch, you might consider football. If you cannot overcome the fear of standing firm for Christ, you might need to re-evaluate your faith.

Does everyone you meet know that you love Jesus? What about your teammates – do they know you belong to Christ? What about your classmates? Your coaches? The other team? The fans? The umpires? Maybe you are just too terrified to let others know how you feel about Jesus. After all, they might make fun of you. Maybe you think you had better keep it to yourself because of the poor character you display on the field and in the dugout.

Jesus tells us that if we are really serious about our faith, we will do whatever it takes to remain pure and faithful. We will stand firm for Him. Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts.

Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. -1 Corinthians 15:1-2