Aging gracefully - standing firm

Our series on "aging gracefully" in our Savior is continuing; today we will see the need for us as believers to stand firm.

The choice today is to choose timeless truth and stand against all false things:

Stand firm therefore . . . (Ephesians 6:14a, NASB)

We've seen some choices that we've called "wrinkle creams," that can keep the lines of bitterness and resentment off our faces. Now we are looking at "exercise" that can keep us fit spiritually. Standing firm and resisting falsehoods - those are part of aging gracefully, and setting an example for new believers.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)

It's important to stand firm against false gods. Jesus Christ is our true Savior:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

No matter how kind, or how many good deeds someone does, no matter if they adhere to the faith based on Mohammed, Buddha, or anyone else . . . there is no other way to be saved. Anything or anyone other than Jesus is a false god. And we need to be wise, and be careful, too:

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (I John 4:1)

We must also be careful to not let idols creep into our lives:

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)

As "veteran" believers who want to be good examples to new Christians, we must also be careful to stand firm against false doctrines. Paul put it pretty bluntly when he wrote to the Galatians!

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! (Galatians 1:8)

Some people talk a good line, but if we compare what they are saying with what we know about the gospel, we can see they are teaching false doctrines. Some just like to hear themselves talk, and others love to stir up arguments and strife:

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction (I Timothy 6:3-5a)

In Jude's short letter, he appeals to his readers to "contend for the faith." That can be a tall order in today's world of mockery and persecution. But if we are aging gracefully, we will use the wisdom the Spirit gives to us, to know how to stand and how to contend . . . all the while maintaining a sweet and appealing testimony so that others want to know about our Savior.

There's another falsehood that we must stand firm against: false accusations. Whether the accusations are made against us or against another Christian, we must stand and not waver.

Being falsely accused is always frustrating. It's often painful and can be agonizing. We have many examples in the Bible, like Jesus, Job, and Moses, to name three. It can happen when someone jumps to a wrong conclusion, and it can also happen from jealousy and hatred. What to do? Aging gracefully means that we stay calm; we don't repay evil with evil; we speak the truth to defend our case; and we continue to walk with integrity.

  no weapon forged against you will prevail,
    and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
    and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17)

Keep calm, as they say nowadays:

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (I Peter 3:9)

keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  (I Peter 3:16)

Sometimes standing firm may require a battle. We may have to contend for our faith. But we have a Savior Who will comfort and strengthen us for the battle!

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. (II Thessalonians 2:15-17, NASB)