Contending

"I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith, which was once delivered for all the saints."

Jude 3

The calling of any Christian is to live in such a way as to stand out from the world, and to walk as a Christ walked. For Christian women it is set forth that we are to represent the Bride of Christ. In this capacity we are to contend for the faith. Our faith is that Christ will return and take us to live with Him, that we will attain the fullness of the salvation of God. Then He will judge if we have lived in such a way that He was the center of every action, every decision, every area of life. He will judge if we have contended for the faith.

As a single young woman it has been my goal to glorify God in every thing I do, and to follow the instructions of 1 Corinthians 7 that young women be concerned about the things of the Lord, that they may be holy in body and in spirit. (verse 34) I have spent time studying His Creation through gardening, studying different theology books available that I may have a ready answer for those who ask about why I do what I do. I have endeavored to proclaim the gospel to the employs of my work, and share the beauty of music in praising God. with piano students. I have sought to learn more of the history of the world by pursuing a college degree in history, and this has brought new areas of study and ministry to me. In all this I have never left my parents home. Never went on a mission, never stayed in a dorm, never had a boyfriend. I simply tried to contend for the faith in the areas of my daily life. In doing laundry, weeding, planning costume parties, and working in a restaurant. The Lord calls us to do it all for Him.

Next week my life will change to a new direction. I will no longer be single, but the wife of Roman Mallery. I will have a new way to contend for the faith. To honour marriage in a culture where it is slighted. To love a husband in an active and real way, not based on feelings, but a daily decision of the will. I have been prepared by my mother to be a homemaker, and by my father to be a faith contender, and by my Lord to take all these duties into the building of a new family.

To all other handmaidens out there, singleness is not a time for inactivity. Marriage does not mean greater ministry. We are all in unique circumstances, but the one thing that is the same is our calling to contend for the faith. To give an answer for the hope that lies within us. May each young lady see that she is doing well, when she is doing daily what God has asked her, cook a meal, write a paper, play an instrument, or change a diaper. May you all contend for the faith by daily seeking to glorify God.

The best preparation for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.

~George MacDonald