“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:7). I am writing this devotional without fear of arrest for believing the Word of God and preaching it. I have lived in a land of incredible blessing because of the freedom we have to worship God. That freedom obviously was not free. There was a great payment that needed to be made and continues to be needed today. Brave men and women hazarded their lives, and many sacrificed their lives so that I could enjoy this freedom. To these brave men and women over the years, I give honor that they deserve.
It is not only military battles that deserve our attention today. There are many who are standing on the front lines of spiritual battles that are being fought today. If you are raising your children in this world, you are on the battlefield for their souls. If you are leading a Bible study, you are on the battlefield. If you are discipling another believer one-on-one, you are on the battlefield. If you are trying to have a godly marriage that honors and exalts the Lord Jesus Christ, you are on the battlefield. The reality is that if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, trying to live in a way that will mirror His example, you are on the battlefield today!
Let me share a verse that is probably very familiar to you already. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58). We are encouraged to be stedfast – firm and strong. We are challenged to be unmovable – committed to standing and staying in the right place. We are encouraged further to always abound in the work of the Lord. These are good words for each of us to live by today. These are words that will help us continue to pursue godliness.
We honor veterans today in our nation. I would love to know that one day our children will honor me for being stedfast, unmovable, and for always abounding in the work of the Lord. The battle to live godly in an ungodly world is just as real as if bombs were bursting beside us on the battlefield. The challenge to live godly in a hostile world is real, and it is really important. Will you join me in the battle? Will you join me in the pursuit of godliness today? Commit yourself to I Corinthians 15:58 today. Ask God for the strength to remain faithful in this unfaithful world. It will require sacrifice on our part to make this happen. It is worth the cost!