Floccinaucinihilipilification.

That’s the longest non-technical word listed in major English dictionaries. It’s 29 letters long. Ironically, this longest word means the practice of belittling something.

But while it may be one of the longest words in the English language, it’s not the biggest. A strong case can be made that the biggest word in the English language has only two letters: if.

Paul uses that word with eternal weight in Colossians 1:23. After proclaiming the breathtaking truth that we have been reconciled to God through Christ—holy, blameless, and above reproach—he adds a small but massive qualifier: “if indeed you continue in the faith.” “If” is just two letters but has infinite consequences.

Now, it’s important to say that this “if” doesn’t undermine grace. It actually defines the pathway of grace. Christ is our only hope. Christ alone accomplishes reconciliation, but those who experience its ultimate fullness are those who remain anchored to Him. To abandon Christ is to abandon hope. So, the Christian life is not a fleeting moment devotion but rather a faithful life of perseverance—stable, steadfast, and unmoved from the hope of the gospel.

For sure, the danger you and I face is rarely an overnight, outright rejection of Jesus. Instead, a quiet drift is the true hazard, slowly loosening our grip on Christ, gradually shifting our hope elsewhere. Paul’s warning reminds us that genuine faith always comes back and endures.

So today, don’t floccinaucinihilipilificate perseverance. Don’t belittle perseverance. Don’t treat continuing in the faith as insignificant. Hold fast. Keep believing. The same Savior who reconciled you is the Savior who calls you to remain in Him. That remaining isn’t optional.

Change begins in you!