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May 11, 2026 06:00am

Standing Firm Together

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“Red rover, red rover, send Ashley right over.”

Do you remember playing? We played countless games of Red Rover in elementary school. If you’re not familiar with it, let me explain.

You divided up into two teams. When it was your team’s turn to call, you linked arms or hands and selected one person you wanted to join your team. The catch was, they had to run full force and try to break through the linked arms. If they broke through the line, they could take any person from your team back to their side. But if they couldn’t, if your team linked together were strong and stood firm and not let them through, they joined your team.

The game was over when one team had collected all the players, or when the bell rang to go inside.

The key was working together as a team to stand firm. No matter how big the runner was, you just couldn’t let them break through. You held as tight as you could to your teammate to make the link strong. You kept your feet planted firmly on the ground to stay upright as the runner threatened to plow through.

You tried to strategize and put the weaker people next to stronger ones as new people joined your team.

I can remember someone holding my hand so tightly that I thought it was going to break before anyone ran towards us. And as they charged forward, I knew I wasn’t letting go for anything.

Philippians 4:1
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” — NIV

Paul gives the believers a charge. He says, “Stand firm in the Lord.” But how?

See the first word in the sentence? It says “therefore.” Remember, this means it’s “there for” a reason. It’s pointing to the key. It means whatever he stated before this passage is the answer. It’s what allows you to stand firm in the Lord.

Stay focused on Christ, His truth, and His mission. Work together as a team, encouraging one another and building one another up. Follow mature believers who are examples of Christ.

Then you can stand firm in your faith.

For what? Why would they need to?

Because there’s an enemy. An opponent that threatens to break through. One who uses deceitful tactics and temptations against us. He searches for weak areas and charges forth.

But together, we can stand firm.

This is why we need the church, and the church needs us. We are better together. When we put away our agendas, our opinions, and pride, and come together for the mission of Christ, incredible things happen. The Spirit is there, working within God’s people, to love one another, share the gospel with others, and make disciples. The stronger or mature believers strengthen the weaker or newer believers. They learn and grow, and soon they are ready to stand firm in their faith in Christ.

Do you want to be connected to a church? We can help! Go to follow.lifeword.org and after walking through four short videos about who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him, click the button that says “Connect Me.” Let us help you find people who will help you stand firm in the faith.