COLOSSIANS 1:23

“if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.”

When I played high school football, I was an offensive lineman. I was taught that my footwork was very important. I had to keep my feet under me and use my legs to drive the defensive player where I wanted him to go. If I didn’t keep my feet planted firmly, I would not be able to control that line of scrimmage. I knew I was in a battle every play.

In the Christian life, we are in a battle every day. We have to maintain our footing, and that footing is described by Paul in today’s verse. He says to “continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast.” The verb “continue” is in the Present Indicative Active. Keep doing this. Persist in this. Don’t stop.If we stop, we are in danger of losing our footing.

APPLICATION

The phrase “firmly established” actually in the Greek reads this way – “established and firm.” The Greek word for “established” has the idea of laying a foundation. That’s a permanent thing, right? You don’t move foundations. They are made to stay put. And the Greek word for “firmly” means to be immovable. Do you get that picture? That’s how we are to continue in our faith.

Paul goes on to say we are to be “steadfast.” What does that mean? The Greek is “not being moved away.” It is two Greek words, the first being me which negates the second, metakineó, “being moved away.” We are to not allow ourselves to be moved from our position in Christ. We are to not allow anything to distract us or cause us to go astray. Be immovable.

Where are your spiritual feet right now? I guarantee you the enemy is on the prowl and would love to knock you off your feet. One of my favorite verses in 1 Corinthians 10:12 which says, “Now, if you think you are standing firm, be careful lest you fall.” In other words, watch your feet. Remain firmly established and steadfast. Be a sure-footed Christian.

Lord, help me watch my feet as I walk the slippery paths that are before me.