Guardians of Faith

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)

Several years ago, I had a long layover at Heathrow on my way back from a business trip in Malaysia. Instead of waiting those hours in the airport, the person I was traveling with suggested we take the Tube into London and explore the sights. On our adventure, we went to Buckingham Palace, where we saw the King’s (or Queen’s) Guard in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats. These sentries stood motionless, maintaining a vigilant watch over the premises, ready to respond to security threats.

In today’s verse, the apostle Paul encourages us to remain vigilant, unwavering in our faith, and relentless in our convictions. Like the King’s Guard, we who are guards for our Heavenly King are to exemplify these qualities by:

Being on Guard: Just as the guards stand watch over the royal residences, we must also be alert and watchful in our spiritual lives when we face spiritual threats. We must stay alert against distractions, doubts, and temptations.

Standing Firm: The guards maintain their positions despite external pressures. Similarly, we should stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges. We must hold fast to biblical truths amid cultural shifts, remaining unshaken by trends or popular opinions.

Courage: The guards face crowds, tourists, sometimes harsh weather, and physical threats. Our faith also requires courage to live out our beliefs boldly. We are to be courageous in our share of the gospel. As the guards represent the monarchy, we represent Christ. 

Strength: The guards’ physical strength is essential. Likewise, the spiritual strength we obtain from Bible study and prayer empowers us to endure trials.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, inspired by the unwavering commitment of the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace. Just as they stand watch over earthly royalty, help us stand firm in our faith, guarding the truth of Your Word.

Grant us the courage to face crowds, the strength to endure trials, and the wisdom to discern spiritual threats. May our lives reflect the love that transforms duty into devotion.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim