Contend

Jude 1:3b I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints

Definition of Contend: To struggle in opposition.


Have you noticed how hard it is to build faith? Distractions, false teachers, temptations, attacks, struggles, busyness and just plain old being tired seem to serve as road blocks in this crazy world we live in. I meet plenty of young folks who don't have time for God yet spend hours on facebook. I meet men and women who have no time with the Lord , but carve out dozens of hours each week to exercise. Others who work overtime to be successful, yet sacrifice the opportunity to be with God. It seems like we are pros at contending for physical health, money and our voice to be heard (at least digitally). Have we been misled into contending for the wrong things?

In Jude's letter, He specifically charges the Church to contend for their faith. He is telling them that they (we) are in a battle with an enemy and they must stay in contention. They are to guard their souls by staying connected to Christ in Worship. God gave us the ammunition to contend in our battle with Holy Sacraments like communion, baptism Church and the ability to pray to Him. What Jude is saying is that as long as you are in the world you are locked in a war between good and evil. Yes Good has won the day on the Cross, but the only way to stay vibrant in Faith is to be hooked into God through Christ. It is a scrap. A street brawl. We need to train ourselves and contend with the intensity of Rocky and the grace of mother Theresa.

Perhaps one of the greatest enemies we have today is a belief that their is a neutral ground of action for us. We try to think that there are some things in this life that don't really glorify God, but aren't bad enough to really be called evil or sin. Jude is trying to keep us on guard about that type of thinking. We must realize that we have an adversary who tries to trap us with seemingly harmless activities that lead us down a path away from God. He knows that if we are to busy or satisfied with the things of this world we will not contend for our faith, because we will not perceive our need for it. I believe Jude is impressing upon us the need for time alone and corporately at the feet of Jesus, where our faith is strengthened to overcome the world.

Are you contending for your faith? Where is your satisfaction? Where is your desire? Where are your goals set? What dominates your time,life and attention?

Jude is charging us to be a contender, not a pretender.