Daily Journal: 25 October

Resolved and Unwavering

Learning to stand our ground when we face fierce opposition can be hard to do.

Remaining consistent instead of giving ground when we feel pressured by others, in fact, builds strength and tenacity.

Being resolved and unwavering when we know something is right, we trust God that in all things He works together with those who love him to bring about what is good (Romans 8:28).

If we live to please others because we fear what they might say or do, we will be unstable and we undermine our own value.

James 1:8 (ABPE)

Whoever wavers in his mind is troubled in all his ways.

If we live to please ourselves at the expense of others, there will always be quarrels because pride leads and tramples without care.

James 3:16 (NLT)

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

When we are resolute in what we believe is right and true, and look to the interests of others, we learn to engage with a right response.

Romans 12:21 (NIV)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Out of a greater love for God than anything or anyone else, we learn to commit ourselves to what God is calling us to do. Letting others’ reactions get to us only distracts us from living productively, and destroys our peace.

Romans 12:8 (NLT)

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

When we follow God’s way, other people aren’t always going to see things the same way, or agree.

John the Baptist was outspoken, loud, and resolute. He spoke to people’s sin and they didn’t always like it. There may be times when we have to be like John the Baptist. But then there are other times when we have to hold our tongue, be gracious and not cause friction. Jesus commonly spoke up to people who rejected and opposed Him, too. Being called to live according to God’s principles can make people angry. But we have to learn not to carry the same spirit of hostility.

When Jesus was put on trial He remained silent. He had said all He was going to say. The people who were accusing Him did not want to listen to truth, they wanted to kill Him.

1 Peter 2:23

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.

We are not to bend to the same spirit of man or the enemy that opposes us but we must learn to respond in a way that does not bring disrepute to Jesus’ Name.