Steadfastness in God

17 July 19910 Comments

His Holiness Pope Shenouda begins by addressing a common problem—many start their life with God zealously but do not continue. The goal, he stresses, is not merely to begin but to remain steadfast in God. He cites Christ’s words in John 15: “Abide in Me and I in you,” emphasizing that steadfastness is the foundation of Christian life.

Biblical examples
He gives several examples of people who began well but did not remain faithful: Demas who loved the world, Nicolas who fell into heresy, Solomon who began in wisdom but ended in error, Samson who lost his strength through unfaithfulness, and the Israelites who witnessed miracles yet did not remain true to God.

Abiding in love, not mere forms
Pope Shenouda stresses that steadfastness is not achieved through outward religious practices alone (prayer, fasting, confession…) but through genuine love for God. God rejects empty formal worship, as Scripture says: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”

Loving God Himself, not His gifts
Some love God’s blessings rather than God Himself, and when trials come, they complain. True love says with David, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And with You, I desire nothing on earth.” Genuine love endures suffering and remains faithful.

Causes of instability
Causes include corrupt surroundings (as in Lot’s story), side motives such as self-glory or authority in service, and intellectualism without spirituality. A divided heart between God and the world cannot be steadfast.

Means of steadfastness
He offers practical means to remain firm:

Abiding in love, for “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God and God in him.”
Abiding in the commandments, since God’s word guards against sin.
Abiding in faith and courage without fear.
Abiding through Communion, for “He who eats My body and drinks My blood abides in Me and I in him.”
Abiding through prayer and repentance, for the righteous may fall seven times and rise again.

Spiritual conclusion
Steadfastness in God marks true spiritual maturity. What matters is not beginning with zeal but continuing to the end with sincere love, constant prayer, and unwavering faith—becoming branches firmly rooted in the true Vine, Christ Jesus.

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