Contending

Have you ever thought much about what things you are willing to contend for? For example, some people are quick to stand up for their constitutional rights or freedoms that are threatened. Others are willing to fight for their reputation. Still others will resist being treated unfairly. Some will put most of their energy into winning—whether it’s physical competition, board games, or various contests. There are those who love to stick up for the underdog or those who are unfairly oppressed. And some are protective of family members, close friends, or coworkers. I suggest that every human on the planet contends for something. ​

Meditation
Philippians 4:3--Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.
 
The Apostle Paul, after his dramatic conversion, spent the rest of his life contending for the gospel. He confronted religious leaders, debated philosophers, challenged city officials, Roman authorities, and anyone who attempted to prevent him or those he taught from living out their faith. But did you know that he was helped by women who, by his side, stood up for the gospel? Some translations use the name Syzugus, instead of “true partner” to identify whom Paul was addressing to seek help for the women assisting him.
            
Too often, those who follow Jesus are content to let “paid clergy,” full-time Christian workers, or missionaries carry the task of promoting the gospel. If the world is going to be reached with the good news of salvation, we all have a part to play. We should all be contending. We can do this through many means: giving, hospitality, encouragement—verbal and written, administrative help, praying, volunteering to work, etc. 
            
Girls, boys, women, men, “whose names are in the book of life,” should be encouraged to contend! Pursuing Jesus is not a spectator sport. It is a lifetime call to obey God and to do whatever the Holy Spirit leads for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. Don’t worry about the size of the role, what is required, or what obstacles are in the way. Get engaged! 
            
The idea of contending is similar to the idea of going. Oswald Chambers taught in As He Walked, “The attitude of going is that the will resolutely lets go of everything and deliberately commits the whole thing to Jesus.” Contending and going require commitment. People are not desperate for more causes; they are desperate to know that life matters and that they have a purpose and a future with the One who made them. Are we contending to ensure that the Jesus who is the Answer is made known? If not, for what are we contending? Something to think about . . . in reveration. 
 
Inspiration
“One thing I’ve discovered about Jesus is that He never tolerated commitment on a percentage basis.”—R. James Shupp in One Blinding Vision
 
©2026 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10—"The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.”  (Holman CSB)