If you ever have been out in a fishing boat, you know the importance of a good quality anchor. Once you find that sweet fishing spot, the least desirable event to occur is drifting away from it. What is potentially worse is drifting into timber and brush where your fishing line is sure to become snagged.
Spiritually speaking, we also need a good solid anchor to keep us from drifting back into worldly habits. Jesus tells us, “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10b) If we are to be faithful to the Lord throughout our lives, then we are going to need solid anchors to keep us sure and steadfast.
Anchor of Remembrance.
It has been said that if we do not study history, we are bound to repeat it. This is equally true for us spiritually. While we do not wish to be overcome with guilt from the past, we still find value in remembering where we have been. Remembering our past strengthens our resolve to never revert to it.
The apostle Paul reminded the Romans of their past deeds. He said, “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.” (Romans 6:20-21). Paul did not remind them of their past to shame them, but rather to persuade them to keep moving forward spiritually before God.
Anchor of Transformation.
If we are to remain steadfast in the Lord, it helps us to remember our transformation from the old man of sin to the new man of righteousness. Our transformation is a result of God’s grace towards us through Christ. Paul wrote, “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
The sacrifice of Jesus has made salvation possible. When we remember the suffering and the death of our Lord and Savior, sin loses its appeal. Furthermore, when we remember our transformation, we understand that we are now dead to sin, but alive to God. Note the words of Paul, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Anchor of Destiny.
Remembering our destination is essential in steadfastness. Jesus stated that He has gone away to prepare a place for us and that He will return to bring us to Himself. (John 14:1-6). Paul wrote, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2). John described heaven by saying, “And God will wipe away ever tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
There are going to be numerous times when we are tempted to return to the old manner of sin. During these times it helps us to think about our eternal home. Compare the joys that await the faithful with the “passing pleasures of sin”. When you do, you will find the eternal joy will always outweigh temporal pleasure.
Today, we can remain steadfast before the Lord. When we are anchored in the memory of where we have been, what Christ has done, our obedience to the gospel, and our eternal destination in Christ, we can be steadfast. We can be firm in our resolve to follow Jesus throughout our lives and never drift back into sin. Let us, therefore, hold fast to the anchors of steadfastness!
God Bless each of you,
Eric Hicks