Staying True to God

“... stay true to the Lord.”
Philippians 4:1a(NLT)

Concerned that Christ followers in Philippi may wander from the faith, Paul writes this closing challenge to them in his brief letter, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord....” Philippians 4:1 (NLT). How do you stay true to God in a world bent on derailing you and your faith?

Recognizing the personal struggle it can be to keep the faith, Paul offers them practical counsel that helped them and will help us as well to stay true to God. Let’s consider four of these insights from his letter of Philippians:

First, we can stay true to God when we keep our focus on Jesus and remember that this world is not our home. One day, Jesus is coming back and will bring everything under His control. In Philippians 3:20-21 (NLT), Paul says, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control.” When you keep your focus on Jesus, eagerly awaiting His return, you’re less likely to lose hope. One day, He will make everything right!

Second, we can stay true when we pray about everything. In Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT), he adds, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Prayer inclines our heart to align with God’s heart and release our fears so our faith can grow.

Third, think about the right things. In verse 8 (NLT), the Bible says, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” We fix our thoughts when we think about the right things, things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. You can’t do that if you’re fixing your thoughts on the news all day.

Fourth, learn to be content. In verses 11-13 (NLT), he offers a personal tip that has helped him stay true to God. He says, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or an empty one, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Did you catch that? Contentment is not something acquired naturally. It is a learned character trait. When all that he had was Christ, he learned that Christ was enough. Our needs drive us to Christ. Too often, all the blessings can become a distraction, and we become more grateful for the blessings than the Blesser.

Let’s be honest. Because we all have an Adam’s suit, our hearts are prone to wander. Staying true to God won’t happen by accident. Nothing good does. That’s why they call it an accident. Be vigilant. Keep your focus on the one thing that changes everything – Jesus Christ. Until He returns, continue in prayer. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Fix your thoughts because your mind, like your body, is fallen and broken. And learn to be content. We can do this. We can stay true to God through Christ, who gives us strength! But if you have wandered away, confess that to God right now and return. Let Him restore your soul and get you back on track. He’s the God of another chance!

---

Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.

Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.