As I
waited to make a right-hand turn at a busy intersection, an ambulance appeared
over the crest of a hill, speeding in my direction. Someone behind me honked,
urging me into the crossroads. I knew the ambulance would be unlikely to stop
and that it could have been disastrous to make my turn. So I kept my foot on
the brake pedal and stayed put.
Spiritually
speaking, we need to “stay put” and remain faithful to God despite pressure
from others. King Solomon had to learn this the hard way. He began his reign by
asking God for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9), and his prayer at the dedication of
the temple revealed his loyalty (8:23,61). But he did not remain committed. He
married many foreign women who eventually influenced him to worship other gods.
By the end of his life, his “heart was not loyal to the Lord” (11:1-6; Neh.
13:26).
Today,
just as in ancient times, people may prompt us to shift our loyalty away from
God and His truth. Yet with God’s help we can hold fast to the word of life
(Phil. 2:16). If you feel pressured to enter a dangerous intersection of
beliefs, study God’s Word, put on His armor (Eph. 6:10-18), and ask the Holy
Spirit for help (1 Cor. 2:10-12). Then stand fast with your fellow believers in
Christ.
To avoid
being pulled into error, keep a firm grip on the truth. (RBC)
