Steadfast.  Last week we talked about being steadfast in Truth, firmly planted when it comes to the absolute authority of the Word of God.  Today, let’s consider something else.  In Luke 9:23, the Lord said this: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”  If you read the gospels, you’ll find that many professed a desire to follow Christ but never saw it through.  At the end of Luke 9, Christ had something to say to those who said they would follow, but in all actuality didn’t want to pay the price of personal denial and cross-bearing.  The Savior said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).  In other words, if we are going to follow Christ, then let’s do it steadfastly.  Wherever it leads, whatever it entails, and however much it costs.  No excuses.  No looking back.  No turning back.  No following my own path.  No seeking my own comfort, my own convenience.  As someone said, “Dear God, Your will; nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.”  We call ourselves Christians, but are we truly following Christ?  So, my friend, let’s determine by God’s grace to put our hand to the plow, stay the course, and finish well.