Standing Room Only

Ever been to a concert or event that was so popular that those who came a bit late had to stand because there were no seats left?  Everyone wants to be a part of something like that. . .something that is so compelling that to describe how great it is one says it was "standing room only."

But standing is not always exciting.  Sometimes standing requires a lot of hard work and struggle, especially when we talk about the Christian life. 

Ephesians 6:10ff talks about standing, but this standing does not involve pumped up crowds and flashing lights.  No, this kind of standing is the kind that you do in everyday life. . . . .and it can be hard to be sure.

But, that doesn't mean that it is all doom and gloom either, just listen to what God says:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."  What a great way to begin to understand what standing in Jesus really looks like--He is the mighty power that we rely on to live as His children, not ourselves.  If you keep reading it says that he provides armor for us to be protected against the attacks of the enemy and of sin.  All he is asking of us in this passage is to "put it on".  V11 "Put on", v13 "put on", what this is telling us is that we need to be actively involved in what God provides so that we can stand.

I believe that it is God's desire to have all his children gathered in such a way that it is "standing room only".  His heart is that we would be able to stand firm in truth, faith and love.  It's not an easy thing to understand how to live in his strength and not our own and we will certainly make mistakes.  But that is why God's grace is so amazing--because he teaches us through our mistakes and not only reminds us but actually helps us to stand.

Standing room only folks--it's an event for the ages.

BT