I Must Contend—I Must Commend—Which?
“The Son doesn’t need protection. He just shines—and we shine because He lives in us.”
Today’s entry from In Christ by E. Stanley Jones brings to light something I’ve witnessed countless times in Christian circles—zeal for defending the faith that somehow misses the heart of the faith itself. Jones takes us to Jude’s call to “contend for the faith once delivered to the saints”—but rather than fueling a posture of argument, he invites us to consider what kind of contending is truly Christ-centered.
The point isn’t to fight for the faith as if it’s a fragile thing at risk of crumbling beneath the mud of public ridicule. It’s not ours to protect—it’s Christ’s life to display. Jones beautifully likens it to organizing a society to protect the sun because someone is throwing mud at it. The sun doesn’t need defending—it only needs to shine.
Likewise, Jesus doesn’t need our strife. He simply needs to be lifted up. Our role isn’t to argue Him into hearts—it’s to live in such a way that hearts are drawn to Him. That’s not weakness; that’s strength in humility. True defense of the faith isn’t found in clever arguments, but in a Christ-filled life that exudes the beauty, grace, and truth of the One we know.
The difference between contending and commending may appear small, but it reflects a vast divide in motive and fruit. One points to us and our cleverness, the other points to Christ and His saving life. One tries to win an argument, the other wins the man. One uses Christian words to prove a point; the other lives the Word made flesh.
If I’m truly abiding in Christ, I’ll stop trying to win battles and start radiating His presence. When I lift Him up—not just in words but in life—He draws people to Himself. That’s real evangelism. That’s real power.
Personalized Journal Entry — In the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
My child, I have not called you to defend Me through argument, but to reveal Me through union. You are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. Do not worry about the mud thrown at truth; it does not stain the radiance of the Son. I shine in you.
You are the light of the world—a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Your gentle answer turns away wrath, and your conversation seasoned with grace will reveal My wisdom more clearly than a thousand debates.
I have placed My treasure in you, a jar of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to Me, not to you. When you abide in Me, My words abide in you. As you walk in love, rooted and grounded in Me, the world will see that you are My disciple—not by argument, but by love.
Remember, it is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit. You don’t need to fight for Me; I conquered every foe at the Cross. Now you walk in My victory. Lift Me up, and I will draw all people to Myself.
Stand firm, not in the defense of opinion, but in the assurance of My life in you. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. You carry My presence—let it speak louder than your words.
(2 Corinthians 2:15, Matthew 5:14–16, Proverbs 15:1, Colossians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:7, John 15:7, Ephesians 3:17, John 13:35, Zechariah 4:6, John 12:32, Colossians 3:15)
Prayer — From My Heart
Father, thank You that I no longer have to fight for You—You’ve already won. I trust that Your Spirit in me is enough. I don’t need to debate my way to truth or argue my way to influence.
You have made Christ my life, and as I abide in Him, His fragrance flows freely. I choose to commend Jesus by simply lifting Him up in how I speak, think, and live.
Today, I rest in the confidence that the Son needs no shield—He only needs to shine. And shine He does… in me.
Amen.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com