I am spending this week in the Book of Jude. A little book with great counsel for the End Times.
“But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.” [Jude 1:20-21 HCSB]
Jude wants all believers to contend earnestly for the faith, which is the saving truth of Christ Jesus and His teachings. The faith is the Good News (Gospel) that Jesus has already done everything we need for salvation. [1:3]
Now, we are to “build [ourselves] up in [our] most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” [1:20 HCSB]
We are also to “keep [ourselves] in the love of God.” [1:21 HCSB]
Building, praying, and keeping requires diligence and work. Too many of us live our life of faith trying to answer the question, “What is the least I can do?”
“How much can I do to get by” is not the mindset of a true contender. A true contender vigorously endeavors to win the competition (which is what “contend” means). A true contender does not hold anything back.
Father God, make us true contenders. Give us the mind and determination of Christ that we might seek not to do the least but the most! Amen.
