Growing up in a Christian home, steadfast is a common word from hymns I hear from my mother when she sings me to sleep. It used to not stir anything in me when I hear it. Today, I took the time to understand the meaning of the word.
To be steadfast is to be firm and determined, to be faithful and committed, showing much dedication and dependability. Someone or something described as steadfast is not easily swayed. It remains both constant and consistent.
Imagine all adjectives in just one word.
That's nothing less than God's love.
The love of the Father can be trusted. Hindi ka iiwan kagaya ng pag-iwan ng iba. It is consistent. Hindi kagaya ng pagpaparamdam ng iba dyan na kung kailan lang lonely. It is reliable. Kung umasa ka man, di ka Niya sasaktan. Hindi 'yung sa sobrang magaling magpaasa, feeling mo ikaw lang talaga nagpaasa sa sarili mo.
This same persistent love is not bounded by time —it endures forever (Psalms 136). Hindi ito yung tipo na kung tatanungin mo isang araw kung mahal ka pa, sasagutin ka ng "Hindi ko na alam." Palaging alam ng Diyos na mahal ka Niya at walang makapagbabago 'dun.
Jude couldn't be more right when he said that it is WRONG to have God's marvelous grace as an excuse to continue living in sin (1:3-4). People even back in his day had this mindset of, "Mahal naman ako ng Diyos kaya okay lang na ganito pa rin buhay ko kasi naiintindihan naman Niya ko. Papatawarin pa rin niya ko. Tuloy ang party!" NOPE.
An authentic understanding that you are dearly loved with much faithfulness leads to gratitude, a desire to live differently —to never again hurt the One who was there all along.
When such response happens, steadfast love develops in people.
It was said a few times in Jude that those who promote abusing grace follow only their instinct. On the other hand, those who are in the process of growing steadfast love for God do not live by mere immediate reactions to situations. When storms hit them, they are calm. They press on. They are immovable in the midst of persecution (Daniel 11:33-35).
It is radical, mind boggling even that a love so pure and constant can be so persistent. You and I have been pursued by God since day one.
Yep, that kind of love exists and it is undeniably serious.
Let's take the challenge to love Him with more faithfulness as each day goes.
Comments