Pets were always important growing up. I had cats most of my childhood but as an adult; I found myself with one and then two red, smooth-haired dachshunds. These two dogs brought joy to my home with the older dog “adopting” my husband and the younger one, named Danny, adopted me.
Danny was a 10-pound bundle of energy. He could jump high enough to steal a pound of thawing ground beef off the counter. (I know, right?) He would take bones and scurry around the house, looking for a safe place to “bury” them. He was also smart, knowing what you said when given a command.
One other admirable trait Danny had was he was 110% loyal. It made no difference where we were, if Danny sensed I was in danger, he got his little long body between the danger and me and stood, steadfast, until he thought the danger was over. He never wavered.
Danny’s actions illustrate what the word steadfast means. Dictionary.com defines it as, “firm in purpose, resolution and faith. Unwavering”. Reflecting on these definitions, there seems to be very few things in this life where these traits apply.
To be steadfast, someone or something is in a fixed place, unmovable. Being unmovable is not enough, though, in describing this term; you also need to add being steady. My mind has the image of a child, standing still (a fixed place) but on one foot (often not a steady image).
You can be in a fixed place, but not steady. You need both to understand what steadfast means.
Have you ever met someone who cannot make a decision? This individual’s thoughts and feelings are everywhere, preventing any steady commitments. Steadfast people are those who do not react to things. They are more thoughtful in their approach and then they act.
A steadfast person is someone who is dependable, able to function when under strain. This person is resolute in his or her beliefs, loyalty, and work ethic. Why? Because he or she values these things enough to maintain a commitment on this level.
On a regular basis, I read articles implying Christians are people who just blindly follow the “spiritual” crowd. I suppose this may be true for some but these are not the followers God wants.
Ephesians 4:14 (NIV) says, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”
This verse is a call to action. God wants his followers to be mature in their beliefs and convictions so when difficulties arise (and they always will), you will be steady.
If God is who He says He is, His words, and commands can stand scrutiny. To become steadfast, you must have all the facts and weigh them. This “testing” is not an insult to God, it means you are giving Him proper consideration. Once you have investigated, you have a foundation to stand on.
I Corinthians 15:58 agrees. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.” Why? There’s more to this verse. “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Being steadfast, firm and steady in what you believe and why enables you to rest in your convictions. This is a much better place to be when difficulties in life come your way. You’re no longer at the mercy of these because you know what you believe and circumstances do not change these.
Be steadfast.
