Have you ever felt like you’re swimming upstream? Have you felt the need to ask yourself, “Why am I drifting away from God?”
It’s a powerful image—and for many Christians today, it resonates deeply. In a culture that seems to be flowing in a direction far from God, remaining faithful to biblical truth can feel like a constant battle against the current. It’s not always an open confrontation. Sometimes, it’s the quieter moments that wear us down: the offhanded comment from a colleague, the TV show that normalizes values far removed from Scripture, or the social pressure to “go along to get along.”
There’s a subtle erosion happening—a slow drift.
And if we’re not careful, as believers we can find ourselves carried along by it—away from the anchor of God’s truth.
When the Culture Shifts, What Do We Hold Onto?
The world has changed. The cultural narrative is increasingly at odds with Christian teaching—on morality, identity, purpose, and even truth itself.
We now live in a time when standing on biblical convictions is seen by some as outdated, intolerant, or even harmful. Saying that truth is found in Scripture, that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God? That every life has value because we’re created in His image? These things no longer sit comfortably with the culture around us.
But God’s Word hasn’t changed. His truth remains unshaken.
The question is: will we?
Perseverance Isn’t Passive
The Christian life is not for the faint of heart. Scripture makes that clear. Jesus Himself warned His followers that the road would be narrow and not many would walk it (Matthew 7:13–14). Paul told Timothy, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
That doesn’t sound like a call to comfort or ease. It’s a call to perseverance.
And perseverance, in the biblical sense, isn’t just gritting our teeth and hoping things get better. It’s a daily decision to stand firm. It’s choosing God’s way, again and again—even when it’s difficult, even when it costs us something, even when the world says we’re wrong. It’s our response to the question, “What is a strong Christian?”
Being steadfast means actively aligning ourselves with God’s Word—not only in the big moral issues but in our attitudes, our relationships, our priorities, and our habits. It’s refusing to compromise, even in the small things, because we know compromise can start small and grow quietly.
Being Different Isn’t a Flaw—It’s a Calling
One of the hardest parts of standing firm in our faith is feeling different and wondering, can Christians enjoy secular things?
No one enjoys sticking out. Whether you’re a student in a university classroom, a parent at the school gate, or an employee in a progressive workplace, it’s tough to be the one who doesn’t laugh at the crude joke, who speaks up for biblical values, or who says “no” when others say “yes.”
But the Christian isn’t called to blend in—rather, we are expected to have an understanding of how to respond to hostility. We’re called to be set apart. In fact, Scripture repeatedly reminds us that being different is not only expected—it’s essential to our witness.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
(Romans 12:2)
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…”
(1 Peter 2:9)
God wants us to be different. Not in an arrogant or self-righteous way, but in a way that points others to something better. Something truer. Something eternal.
Our differences aren’t meant to isolate us but to illuminate Christ in us.
Trusting God’s Way Is the Best Way
It’s easy to doubt that God’s way is best when everyone else seems to be doing fine without Him. So, what are Christian standards?
But Scripture assures us that appearances can be deceiving. What seems like freedom without God often leads to bondage. What looks like progress may, in reality, be a path away from the life we were created for.
God’s commands are not arbitrary rules; they’re loving boundaries. They lead us into life, peace, and flourishing—not just for us but for society as a whole.
Psalm 119:105 says,
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
In a world full of shifting shadows and moral confusion, we need that steady light; we need discipline in spiritual life. Trusting that God’s way is best, even when it’s unpopular, is an act of faith—but it’s a faith rooted in the unchanging character of our loving Father.
Encouragement for the Weary
If you’ve ever felt tired of standing, tired of speaking up, or tired of swimming against the tide—know this: you are not alone.
You are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses—faithful men and women who have walked this road before you and finished well. Hebrews 12 reminds us to run the race with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith.”
He endured hostility. He stood firm. He swam upstream. He instructs us in spiritual disciplines, and He gives us the strength to do the same.
In Galatians 6:9, Paul offers a word of encouragement we all need to hear:
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. God sees your perseverance, your quiet faithfulness, your willingness to stand even when it’s hard. He honors it. And He will use it.
How Do We Persevere in Practical Terms?
Here are a few ways we can remain steadfast in our Christian walk, even in a culture that’s drifting:
- Stay rooted in Scripture.
Apply God’s Word. Make it your daily nourishment. Let it shape your thinking, strengthen your convictions, and renew your hope.
- Pray without ceasing.
Talk to God about your struggles, your doubts, your need for strength. Prayer is your lifeline.
- Build community with other believers.
We weren’t meant to stand alone. Find a church, a small group, or even a few faithful friends who will walk with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable.
- Live it out.
Let your life be a testimony—not just in your words, but in your love, your integrity, your patience, and your joy. Put the Word of God into action. People notice a life that reflects Christ.
- Keep an eternal perspective.
This world is not our home. Our hope is not in comfort, popularity, or cultural acceptance—it’s in Christ and His kingdom.
In the End, He Is Worth It
Perseverance may not make headlines. It may not always feel heroic. But in God’s eyes, it is deeply precious. When we choose to remain faithful—when we choose to swim upstream—we are following in the footsteps of our Savior.
And in the end, that’s what matters most.
Not the opinions of others. Not the latest cultural trends. Not whether we’re applauded or rejected.
What matters is that we’ve learned how to keep spiritual disciplines, and we’ve lived a life faithful to Him.
So Christian, take heart. Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t fear the current. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ. Trust that His way is the best.
And remember, when you swim upstream with Him, you never swim alone.
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