Stickability

  I have a variety of postage stamps bearing different denominational values. Though the price of the stamps was paid for, they are of little value if I just let them stay hidden in a dark drawer. Their value is not realized until they are used for the purpose they were created for. Each stamp, like us, has a value and purpose.

   A first class stamp on a postcard is functioning beneath its intended purpose. It can easily do the job, the postcard will be delivered, yet the stamp was meant for more. Likewise, if a first class stamp meant to send an envelope were placed instead on a package, it’s not likely to succeed in seeing the packaged delivered. Like stamps we need to understand our value and assignments.  Sometimes an individual stamp is all that is needed, other times it needs partnered with others in order to accomplish a task.

   A postage stamp also needs “stickability”, a stamps true value, or usefulness, is only realized based on its ability to stick to its assignment, an envelope, until it has been delivered. As Christians we also need stickability, which is a person’s ability to persevere with something; having staying power. In tough and uncertain times we need to be able to stick to our faith unwaveringly; to stick to reading the Bible, to prayer and times of devotion. In the face of persecution or opposition, do we have stickability to our convictions?

   Hebrews 10:19-35, is a call to persevere in faith “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings”…”Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching”…”Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

   Let’s be like stamps – have stickability to our God, faith, purpose and assignment – to the end!