Be Steadfast

The man he was talking to said, “Take the job, you can always find another church somewhere else!”

This man’s answer is typical of many people in our age. That is, forget about commitment, you can always find:

• Another spouse

• Another job

• Another home

• Another church

This seems to be the way a lot of folks think these days. They do not know the first thing about commitment.

Illus: we live in a world of disposable things, we use it then dispose of it. We have:

• Disposable needles

• Disposable milk containers

• Disposable diapers

• Disposable gloves

• Disposable paper plates and cups

• Disposable forks and spoons

• Disposable cameras

• Disposable hand towels

• Disposable shaving razors

• Disposable bibs

• Disposable bottles

This disposable age in which we live has caused some serious problems, especially:

(1) IN MARRIAGES - Many enter marriage with the idea that if it does not work out, divorce and find someone else.

Illus: That reminds me of the woman that a judge was interviewing about her divorce. He asked, "What are the grounds for your divorce?"

• She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."

• "No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?" "It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded.

• "I mean," he continued, "What are your relations like?" "I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents."

• He said, "Do you have a grudge?" "No," she replied, "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one."

• "Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?" "Yes," she responded, "About twice a week he gets up earlier than I do."

• Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?"

• "Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce. My husband does. He says he can't communicate with me!"

For whatever reasons, many today have the attitude that if you can not get along with your mate, GET RID OF THEM and find another one. This lack of commitment has also affected us-

(2) IN JOBS - The attitude today in the job market seems to be, if it does not work out, quit and find another one.

Listen, there was a time when a young man or young woman went to work at a job and they stayed at the same job their entire life. But today we have those who will get a job, and in a short time they are looking for another one. This lack of commitment can also be found-

(3) IN THE CHURCH - If it does not work out, there are plenty of churches around, just find another one.

Church feuds today are something we hear a lot about in this DISPOSABLE AGE!

Illus: In one church, the pastor and the congregation had a feud going.

• One week the pastor preached on commitment and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. During the invitation, the choir selected "I Shall Not Be Moved" as the final hymn.

• The next week, the pastor preached on giving and how we should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The choir selected "Jesus Paid It All" as the final hymn.

• The next week, the pastor preached on gossiping and how we should watch our tongues. The choir selected "I Love To Tell The Story" as the final hymn.”

• The next week, the pastor, being disgusted over the situation, told the congregation that he was considering resignation. The choir selected "Why Not Tonight" as the final hymn.

• The pastor resigned the next week and told the congregation that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was now leading him away. The choir selected "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" as the final hymn.

A lack of commitment is doing more to hurt God’s Work than anything else on the face of this earth.

One of the things that made the New Testament church such an outstanding church was that people were committed to the Lord. That is, they were STEDFAST.

WHAT DOES STEDFAST MEAN?

• Stedfast means being solid, stable, strong, sure, firm and reliable.

• So much good could be done for Christ if God’s people knew how to be STEDFAST, STRONG and RELIABLE!

The church in Jerusalem was a STEDFAST CHURCH, but every church during Paul’s time was not STEDFAST. Look at Acts 2:42-47, we read, “And they continued STEDFASTLY in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”