Standing


Jud 1:3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you concerning the common 

	salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that ye should 

	earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered to the saints. 



	When the thing possessed is of great importance and highly treasured, there will 

be a natural tendency to contend for it. Even if the reality of its makeup would indicate 

there is no true value there, the perception of its importance is enough to raise a hackle at 

any mention of losing or damaging it. This seems to be built in to human nature from the 

very start. Probably the most common theme of childhood arguments is the disputing 

over ownership or the accusation of damage done to a treasured toy or object. To the 

observing adult it may seem like there is no valid reason for the contention as the object 

of the quarrel is something that to them is of no value whatsoever. In the mind of the 

child, though, this cheap little object has become a treasured possession worth fighting 

for. While the longevity of this conviction may be short-lived, that same object ending up 

in the bottom of a toy box and not touched again for years, at the moment of contention it 

is the most important thing in the world to them. Maturity may change what is perceived 

as valuable, but there will always be something for which one would be willing to 

aggressively hold on to and preserve. It is the capturing of the heart with an impression of 

importance that inspires this competitive response. As soon as this perception of 

importance is compromised, though, there is a great possibility that this once treasured 

thing will be lost to neglect and misuse. 

	There is, then, this great battle of perceptions going on all around us. We're in the 

middle of a presidential race where the most commonly used tactic is to damage the 

public's perception of the opponent. Millions and millions of dollars are spent on a short 

commercial that simply points out some information that hopefully will introduce doubt 

as to the true nature and intent of that individual. It seems it isn't enough to just point out 

their own attributes, there has to be this tearing down of the other candidate in an attempt 

to damage any existing favorable impression of him. As soon as this is successfully 

accomplished, the way has been made to undermine that opponent's support and remove 

the resolve of his followers to contend for his victory. If he can be made to look like 

much less of a man than they had once thought, it will be much easier for them to let go 

of him and embrace another. As long as there is a reception of the damaging information 

concerning his character, there will be a transforming of a perception of his greatness to 

that of a weak and incapable individual. The goal of the enemy is to undermine the 

opponent's perceived value. 

	In our acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior we received the greatest treasure 

that could ever be possessed. In Him we were given access to every good thing in life. 

Where once we might not have appreciated Him or those who followed Him, our 

perspective was completely changed. At the moment of our new birth, He became 

everything to us and we were committed to knowing Him more and contending for Him 

in every way. At that same moment, though, there was also a whole strategy formed by 

our enemy to undermine our perception of this Possession and to get us to neglect and 

abandon Him. This strategy included temptations to the things of the world. In getting us 

to give in to our fleshly passions, there was a diversion from a passion for the Greater 

One. There was also the implementation of a more indirect approach, though, as is 

referred to here in Jude. In presenting misinformation about God in such a way that it 

sounds religious, there is a way made for us to accept something about Him other than 

the truth of His goodness. As soon as this successfully takes place, there is damage made 

to our perception of Him and we may begin to lose our heart of devotion and loyalty to 

Him. Where once we might have had a pure desire to please and serve Him, there is an 

entrance of doubt that causes wondering about the true nature of this God. It is not that 

He has changed in any way. He's still the God who is more than enough and good all the 

time. It's just that our perception of Him has changed. 



Jud 1:20  But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying by the 

	Holy Spirit, 

Jud 1:21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus 

Christ to eternal life. 


	For us, though, there is a way of resisting all the approaches of our enemy. When 

he comes in like a flood with challenges to our faith, there is a great fortress of defense 

that we have in the Spirit. By remaining in a place of nearness to our treasured 

Possession, He empowers us by His spirit and instills within our hearts this conviction of 

His value and worth. Continually allowing our hearts to be captured ever more by the 

reality of His greatness by abiding in His Word and praying in the spirit, we remain in a 

force shield that will repel and render useless any planned attack. It will not be enough to 

just try and resist on our own, though, as there may be an argument that would convince 

our minds and emotions. As the truth of His Word is coupled with a fellowship of the 

spirit, however, we are able to perceive with spiritual discretion the reality of worth 

beyond reason and contend effectively for our faith. Greatly strengthened through 

actively experiencing the wonder of His glory, we'll be able to stand and never fall prey 

to the schemes of our enemy. We'll be able to live a life of abundant joy and confidence 

in our prized Possession. 


Jud 1:24  Now to him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless 

before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 

Jud 1:25  To God the only wise, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, 

both now and ever. Amen. 


	
4/25/04