Brothers and sisters, I want to call your attention to the good news that I preached to you, which you also received and in which you stand. You are being saved through it if you hold on to the message I preached to you, unless somehow you believed it for nothing.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Sometimes it is easy to forget the importance of posture. Back when I attended school in the U.K. it seemed to be a big issue. “Maul! Sit up straight!” “Maul! Don’t slouch!” “Maul! Stand up straight!” Along with – my favorite – “Maul! No dawdling in the halls!”

As an adult, I soon discovered that slouching isn’t just body language, it actually has repercussions in terms of back pain, and readiness, and performance.

By illustration, Rebekah and I may well have fallen in love when we were 20 years old – but if we hadn’t learned to stand in love over the next forty-five years we would have been in sorry shape.

And I absolutely would not have lasted long as a teacher if I had slouched at it.

Likewise this faith business we are examining so closely during Holy Week. Paul says he wants to “call our attention” to the good news he has shared. We did not simply receive the gospel, but it is good news “in which we stand.”

Standing in the Good News is a wonderful concept. Standing suggests being aware, alert, ready, motivated, invested, and so much more.

Standing involves “holding on to the message…” Again, implying ownership and the idea that this good news is actionable.

“Unless somehow,” Paul continues with an incredulous inflection, “you believed it for nothing.”

This is Holy Week. This is the Passion of Christ. Today is Maundy Thursday, and an opportunity to contemplate The Last Supper and the betrayal in Gethsemane.

If ever there was a moment to “stand” in the good news then it is now!

Peace – in every way – DEREK