Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Phil. 4:1)
Expanded Passage: Philippians 4:1-3
In every life and in every group, there must be the constant reminder to stand firm in all that you have already learned and experienced. Paul reminded his brothers and sisters in the faith—which also includes us—to constantly look back at what he had taught earlier and stand firm in these truths as the days get tough. It is an absolute truth that life is rarely easy. There will be days, maybe weeks, perhaps a vacation or two that seem to flow effortlessly in their ease and lack of struggle. But these days are not our norm. Life is complicated and sometimes confusing. We face decisions, reactions, choices, and hardships every day. In moments of difficulty, we must lean on truths that have been taught to us by leaders and mentors who love us and want the best for us. Whenever we are given the gift of insight and strength from a mentor or friend, it is imperative to stand firm on that solid ground. Soon enough, the ground around us will seem to shift and sink, like the unstable sands of some shifting desert. But truth, given by a wise and trusted friend, will establish a stable place to stand as the world shifts and threatens.
As we stand, we must stand together. Remember that our ultimate truth, our ultimate goal, is an eternity together in the heaven that our God has prepared for us.
Remain steadfast in your life of righteousness.
excerpt from The Book of Philippians (WPH)
Mike Hilson is lead pastor of New Life Church in La Plata, Maryland, and author of several books and ministry resources.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
