When we stand on our faith or beliefs, we follow God’s principles and teachings, and we rigidly apply His principles to our lives.  Colossians 2:6,7 read: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Hebrews 3:12,14 teaches us to “be most careful, my brothers, that there should not be in any of you that wickedness of heart which refuses to trust and deserts the cause of the living God. Help each other to stand firm in the faith every day, while it is still called “today,” and beware that none of you becomes deaf and blind to God through the delusive glamour of sin. For we continue to share in all that Christ has for us so long as we steadily maintain until the end the trust with which we began.”

Psalm 24:4 states that “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to idols or swear by what is false” will be able to stand.  So, who are those able to stand? Those who are determined to resist sin, whose motives and intentions are pure and directed at glorifying God and blessing their fellow man. The goal of those who can stand is one of sincerity and truth. Their character is one of meekness and faith; they love righteousness and want to grow accordingly.

To stand on our beliefs requires that we hold true to the character developed under Christ’s instruction whenever we are faced with difficult decisions and experiences. Christ knew God’s principles perfectly. But he did need to stand at that mark of true obedience to the will and word of God for three and a half years. “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation…” Hebrews 5:8,9 (ESV).  He had to demonstrate perfect love.  The same is expected of those who walk after Christ. So, our heart intentions must be based on perfect love in every trial of faith, of patience and obedience.

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1222: “How Is Satan Trying to Devour Me?”
How the Devil attempts to sabotage my Christian life
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #862: “When Should We Stand and When Should We Run?”
Standing for God and running from sin
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes