Taking a Stand

Today’s Pearls of Promise devotion is part of our “best of” collection and was first published in July, 2013. In light of the events in Chattanooga, TN this week, it is even more applicable today. We Christians need to take a stand!

    Have you ever sang the words to a song repeatedly but never really thought about their meaning?  Yesterday, my brother-in-law had the radio on in his boat and the song “Fire and Rain” came on.  It’s an old song that I’ve hummed or sung along with countless times but this time these words came alive to me:  “Won’t you look down upon me Jesus, you’ve got to help me make a stand..”  At that moment, I prayed, “Yes, Jesus, please help me make a stand.”

It’s hard to make a stand for your faith these days, especially when you are surrounded by those who don’t take a stand.  It’s even more difficult when someone intentionally tries to tear down your witness, but as Christians we are called to be holy and blameless in our daily walk, no matter how difficult it is.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, the Apostle Paul says, “We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” You may find yourself in a situation where you as a Christian are the oddball, not the norm, and you want to fit in.  However, whom are you trying to please?

God wants us to be a light shining in a dark world.  You might be the only light your friends or family see.  When speaking to the Thessalonians, Paul said that he had suffered and been insulted in Philippi but “with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.”

It’s tough to be that light when there is disinterest or persecution, but God will open the doors to share his message.  He will give you the boldness to speak his truth and he will defend you when there are attacks on your character, because they will come.  It’s a defense mechanism people use when they are uncomfortable in the light of Jesus.

I have found that when others attempt to unjustly make me look bad, the Lord is sweet to encourage me immediately. One day after this happened, I received a phone call about potential speaking engagements.  Another day, I received an email from a friend complimenting the devotional book our ministry put together.

God does not want us to ever shy away from being open about our belief in Him and His son, Jesus. 1 Corinthians 16:13 encourages us to “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Is your philosophy….”When in Rome….do as the Romans do” or is your faith such an integral part of your character that you cannot store it away, no matter where you are?  God wants to be first in your life and desires to shine so brightly through you that no one can miss the light of his presence in your words or in your actions.