Steadfastness of Faith. Colossians 2:5. We can be present in spirit with those who are far away by thinking about them, praying for them, and longing for their spiritual and physical well-being. That is one reason why assembly prayer meetings are so important. When we know that a missionary or preacher has serious concerns about their work, or they share some of the reasons they are encouraged by what God is doing through them, we can join in their burdens and joys. A commendation from a fellow believer or an assembly is a great encouragement for faithful servants to persevere despite potential difficulties.
Occasionally, those who are “steadfast in faith” think: “Unseen, yet real; how can I know if it is true? Everything I have heard and am assured of is based on what I hear—not see. Am I whistling in the dark? Is there no substance to my belief? How has this calm assurance come to me? It is not difficult to explain the reality of faith. I have heard and personally read the report. It has stood solid under generations of scrutiny. Even my own soul finds it without fault - but even better, I have experienced it in life - and instead of darkness, there is spiritual light.”
The commitment to faith and the development of Christian character grow stronger as we remain firmly rooted in the teachings we have received, showing clear spiritual growth. The signs that someone is established in the faith include trust and overflowing thanksgiving, which are genuine. Such individuals are not swayed by heresy because they are content with unmistakable spiritual maturity. There is evidence of 'order' in an assembly, like in an army, with a standard to establish and a protocol to follow for proper conduct.
There is a provision for the soldier to defeat the fleshly enemy by putting on the armor of light [Rom.13:12], as Joseph did when he resisted Potiphar's wife. There is ample authority to overcome the world when the armor of righteousness [2 Cor.6:7] is worn, and we only boast in the cross. The Lord Jesus defeated the devil when He quoted appropriate scriptures, showing that even to us, the entire armor of God [Eph.6:11] is available.
Good order in an assembly reflects the disciplined lives of believers in personal, family, spiritual, business, and financial matters. God-appointed leaders are present in assemblies to guide, direct, and lead the Lord’s people in spiritual ways. Orderliness enhances the work and testimony of the local fellowship. Confusion and dissension would quickly become evident if it were a gathering of uncommitted, “free-lanced” people. Firmness in faith comes from being steadfast in the truth by seeking the Lord and His ways in the word of God and walking in harmonious fellowship with the Lord and His people. Firmness of faith supports the assembly and fosters a strong commitment to Him.
Even though I have never met many of them, I share a common bond with some people. That bond is a Person we both believe in and trust as our personal Savior. I haven't seen Him, but with steadfast faith, we all communicate with Him, often in different languages. So, even though we are unseen to each other, we are united in our faith in Him, the Center of our lives. The way we live, the songs we sing, and our conversations are similar in content and different in sound, but we all encourage others and strengthen ourselves. As we observe and hear about the orderliness of God’s people, we share the abundant life that reaches beyond every Christian’s doorstep to the world and proclaims the steadfastness of faith.