"...urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people. Jude 1:3
To contend means to hold, profess, affirm, insist. When I read these definitions I felt challenged. They are strong words that imply a purposeful and determined approach towards what we believe.
Our understanding of our position in Christ needs to be carefully protected. Satan wants us to believe that as we grow as Christians it is no longer adequate to simply approach the Father freely. The lie he speaks is that maturity brings greater responsibility and greater accountability. This all sounds very logical and appeals to our sense of pride in how we are advancing in our spiritual walk.
However true understanding of this verse reminds us that it’s about our justification by faith. How we receive in the beginning is how we will continue to receive throughout this life. We come with nothing and are given everything through our trust and dependence in Jesus.
Right behaviour should never be our primary focus because when it does our eyes are immediately taken off Jesus and onto ourselves. It’s only when we keep our eyes on Jesus, who he is, what he says, how he sees us that we will find freedom and right living effortlessly manifesting in our daily lives.
