”Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once and for all handed on to the saints.” (Jude 3)
Standing Firm in a World of Uncertainty
”Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once and for all handed on to the saints.” (Jude 3)
We live in an age marked by moral relativism. Cultural norms are shifting. There are increasing pressures to conform. The call to contend for the faith has never been more urgent. Throughout history, people who stood firm in their beliefs often encountered opposition. However, their resolve was the foundation that upheld enduring truths. Today, as we navigate the tides of societal transformation and spiritual challenges, we are called to stand firm. It is our duty to defend the essence of our faith. We must ensure its relevance for generations to come.
The Meaning of Contending for the Faith
To contend for the faith is not merely to defend it but to actively uphold and live out its principles. The term “contend” suggests effort, intentionality, and perseverance. This is not a passive try. It involves engaging with the complexities of the modern world. We must answer difficult questions. We should show the life-changing power of faith through our actions.
Faith is more than a personal conviction; it is a guiding light that shapes communities and inspires hope. Contending for it means safeguarding its purity against distortion. It also involves ensuring that its fundamental truths remain unaltered, even amid cultural shifts. It calls for courage, wisdom, and humility—qualities that enable us to stand firm without alienating others.
The Challenges We Face Today
The landscape of today’s world poses significant challenges to people of faith. These challenges, both external and internal, require vigilant awareness and a proactive mindset.
1. The Rise of Secularism
Secularism emphasizes excluding religious perspectives from public discourse. It has created an environment where faith is increasingly relegated to the private sphere. This marginalization makes it difficult for individuals to express their beliefs openly without fear of judgment or ridicule. In such a climate, contending for the faith involves demonstrating its relevance in every aspect of life. This includes education, politics, and the workplace.
2. Moral Relativism
The prevalence of moral relativism—the idea that truth and morality are subjective—has further complicated the terrain. When absolute truths are dismissed, the foundations of faith can appear outdated or oppressive. Contending for the faith in this context means articulating its universal values with clarity and compassion. It shows how they lead to justice, love, and the common good.
3. Distractions and Complacency
In an age dominated by technology and instant gratification, the tendency toward distraction and spiritual complacency is a significant challenge. Many find it difficult to prioritize their spiritual lives amid the noise of social media, entertainment, and work. To contend for the faith, we must remind ourselves and others of the necessity of spiritual discipline. Practices like prayer, study, and reflection are essential. They play a role in nurturing a resilient faith.
4. Internal Divisions
Even within faith communities, divisions over doctrine, practice, and social issues can weaken the collective witness. Contending for the faith in such instances requires fostering unity without compromising essential truths. It involves listening to one another with grace and striving for reconciliation in the face of discord.
5. Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalism presents a significant challenge. It intertwines religious identity with national identity. This often leads to the exclusion of those who do not share the same faith or interpretation of beliefs. This fusion can undermine pluralism and democratic principles, as it risks marginalizing minority groups and fostering divisive ideologies. Additionally, asserting one religion as central to a nation’s character can erode the separation of church and state. This creates tensions in diverse societies that strive for equality and inclusivity. Balancing faith with civic unity remains a sensitive and complex issue in addressing this challenge.
Why Contending for the Faith Matters
The importance of contending for the faith extends beyond personal salvation. It impacts our families, communities, and the world at large. Here are some key reasons why this effort is vital:
1. Preserving Truth
In a world inundated with misinformation and half-truths, preserving the core tenets of our faith becomes a moral imperative. When we contend for the faith, we uphold its life-giving messages of hope. Redemption and love stay intact. These messages are accessible to all.
2. Inspiring the Next Generation
The faith we contend for today will shape the lives and values of future generations. By standing firm and living authentically, we pass down a legacy of courage, integrity, and purpose to our children. This legacy equips their children to face their own challenges with confidence.
3. Offering a Beacon of Hope
Amid chaos and uncertainty, faith serves as a stabilizing force. It is a beacon of hope that reminds us of our shared humanity and purpose. Contending for it allows us to extend this hope to those who are struggling. It provides a path to healing and wholeness for those searching for meaning.
How to Contend for the Faith
The act of contending requires deliberate action, and there are practical steps we can take to rise to this call.
1. Deepen Your Understanding
Knowledge is a powerful defense against doubt and critique. Taking time to study sacred texts, theology, and apologetics equips us to answer questions and engage in meaningful conversations. A well-informed faith is a resilient faith.
2. Live Out Your Beliefs
Authenticity is one of the most compelling ways to contend for the faith. When our lives reflect the values we profess—kindness, integrity, humility—others are drawn to the life-changing power of faith. Actions speak louder than words, and a life well-lived is a testimony in itself.
3. Build Community
Faith thrives in community. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who encourage, challenge, and support us strengthens our resolve. Together, we can face challenges, celebrate victories, and extend our faith’s reach to others.
4. Engage the World
Contending for the faith does not mean withdrawing from the world but engaging with it thoughtfully and respectfully. We can show the relevance of faith in action through social justice initiatives. These include interfaith dialogues or acts of service. This showcases the beauty of faith in action.
Conclusion
Contending for the faith amid today’s challenges is no small task, but it is a noble and necessary effort. By standing firm in our convictions, we preserve the essence of our faith. Living out our beliefs with courage and compassion inspires a world yearning for meaning and hope. Let us rise to the occasion. Be prepared to face the challenges with grace and determination. Make sure that the light of faith shines brightly for generations to come.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 