Are you ready to contend?

By Todd Barrier  

Over the past several weeks, our area has seen a dramatic surge in COVID cases. It seems it is worse now than during the peak of our lockdowns.  

In the school system I work in, Decatur City Schools, the decision was made to have students switch to virtual learning until Jan. 13.  

The decision was not made lightly but was made as soon as it needed to be. The training and infrastructure to switch to virtual learning had already been taken seriously so the decision could be made.  

Although officials didn’t know whether the switch would have to be made – or if so, when – they were ready for it.  

In the Bible we are told to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). This word, “contend,” means to struggle for or fight for.  

In the age in which we live, standing up for your faith might be something you have to do more often than in the past. Much like the school officials considering virtual learning, we don’t know when the challenge might come, but we have to be ready.  

How do we get ready to defend God’s word? Well, we have to know it to be able to contend for it!  

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Bible teaches that His Word is good for teaching, correction and training. It has all we need to be ready!  

It tells us to begin the training early on life (Proverbs 22:6) and to continue it always (2 Peter 3:17-18).  

To be ready to contend for the faith, we have to take the same approach as might be taken by a worldly institution like a school system. We have to invest in training – His Word – and infrastructure – His Word implanted in our hearts. Are you ready to contend when the time comes?