I turned to Philippians 4 in the NLT and the first verse captured my attention. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters stay true to the Lord.” [Philippians 4:1 NLT]
What does it mean to stay true? I looked that up and I got one of those AI answers: “To stay true to something means behaving according to your beliefs and doing what you think is right. It can also mean being consistent with fact or reality. In the context of a relationship, it means being loyal or faithful to someone. Shakespeare famously wrote, ‘This above all, to thine own self be true.’”
I decided to look at Philippians 4:1 in other translations. “…my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved,” and “In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.” [NKJV HCSB]
Stand fast in the LORD. Stand firm in the LORD. Stay true to the LORD.
The world thinks we should be true to ‘self,’ but my ‘self’ is a rebel and traitor. It is always trying to lure me away from God – not towards Him. It is only by holding firm and fast to my LORD and Savior that I can stay true to the Holy and Good God.
Oh, LORD, by the power of your Spirit of Truth, enable me to stay true to You always. Amen.