"Hold Fast" ~ Linda K. Milam

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.  1 Timothy 6:20-21  

In 1 Timothy 6:20-21 Paul tells Timothy to ". . . keep that which is committed to thy trust . . ."  He is to guard it and himself! He also told him HOW to keep it ". . .avoiding profane and vain babblings and oppositions. . ." 



Grandma and Eryn



The Word of God is faithful to teach us in a very down to earth way, so to speak; Instructions given with "how to's"!  Isn't that wonderful.  I am thankful every day for a Holy God who was concerned about me enough that He gave me "written instructions" not only on how to be saved, the greatest miracle ever, but after my salvation He wants me to live a certain way to Honor Him and His Son and He shows me that way in His Word! In these verses, God provides words on how to protect myself from a worldly behavior.  

As I read I can see where Paul warns Timothy of something to avoid; the same warning is for us. As Christians who are busy in the ministry, it is important for us to "PROTECT" what has been committed to us.  Our God is a Jealous God when it comes to what belongs to Him!  He wants us to grow in our faith bringing us closer and closer to Him every day.  We must do all that we can to "guard" what God has entrusted us with. 

As a Preacher of the Gospel my husband and myself are faced with the issues of the people we minister to.  We try to make sure we leave our home prepared to face the world we live in.  The people we meet each day without Christ!  The words of caution given to us in these verses are certainly ones we must pay heed to or we could be caught up in the empty talk (vain babblings devoid of truth) and oppositions (heretical arguments to oppose the truth).

We do fail; we are human!  When we do it doesn't just affect us, but those around us.  Not one of us can do anything in our lives that will not affect another in some way.  How foolish we are to think that we can do anything we want "just because" we can.  The Bible is full of stories of people who did what they want, and the sin, along with all the pain it brings, was passed to their children. I pray every day that my children do see Christ in me, and now my grandchildren.  Is their a difference in my testimony than there is in someone elses?  I pray so.

Some questions to consider.  I used them myself to examine my life and service to our LORD.  They helped me to see some things I needed to correct in my own life.  I hope they cause you to think on Him.

1.  Is my home Christ honoring? (This opened up alot of thought.  In the way I keep my home, talk to my husband, and in my own private time with the LORD.  I considered whether Christ was honored.  I have to admit, just as many others will, that behind the doors of my home sometimes I don't do those things.  But because I do love my family more than anything, that is where it must be most important!  I will continually work on that!)

2.  Do I consider the words I speak? (The slang of the world can cause great damage in a Christians testimony.  It is so easy to slip in to a certain mode of worldly talking - be careful Christian!  But more than that, how do I speak to the ones I love most? With love, affection, instruction, and care; or do I waste that time with my loved ones by being critical, mean spirited, angry, bossy and downright hateful, just because I can.  God Forgive me and you if that is so - we must repent (turn away) and allow God to control our speech!)

3.  Do I consider what I am doing and if it would be pleasing to God?  (We try so hard to please those here in and around us, but forget to ask God if what I am doing "is okay".  My whole focus is to reach those around me for Christ, but I must guard my own self.)

4.  Am I in the will of God?  (His will must be my will; causing me to die to self!)

Again I say, we do and will fail; because we are human!  I sometimes wonder how God can "forever" forgive?  But,  I'm glad He does!  That is what a Father does for His children; forgive! It is very hard for us to forgive sometimes; but when you have a love in your heart for the LORD He is the one that will give you that perfect peace and strength to forgive.  Not to forgive with the head knowledge of forgiveness but with a heart forgiveness. 

As the time draws near to the day we as Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord, consider these things.  He came to earth to DIE for you and for me.  If you are saved, we must "Hold Fast" as mentioned in Hebrews 10:23 to our faith, not wavering!  Is He Your Lord?

Have a blessed day, and if in some way this has helped you, please email us or let us know.

God Bless you,

Linda K. Milam

Missionary to America