Standing Up

by Pastor Timothy Fortune

As Christians we have to stand up for what is right according to Scripture. We can look in the Bible and see many characters that faced death for their stand but refused to back down. The three Hebrew children that refused to bow to the king were thrown in the furnace. Daniel was put in the lion’s den for praying to God, and Esther faced being put to death for entering into the king’s presence. Paul faced death often for the stand he took. God delivered all of these, but the people were still willing to make a stand. They looked beyond the realm of this earthly life and understood that God almighty was bigger than any consequences they might encounter for their stand.

Today, along with losing our life, we face a different kind of standing up. Everyday we make a decision on a small scale to stand up for what is right. It may be choosing not to take part in talking bad about someone or a situation. Maybe in your family there is some evil you have to take a stand against, or perhaps you have to separate from a friend because of some differences. Regardless of the situation, everyday we are faced with the challenge of standing up. Even on a personal note, there may be a problem in your life that you have to take a stand against. It could be depression, negative thoughts, getting angry, being bitter, or controlling your tongue. Standing up is unavoidable for the Christian. Whether it is in the community, your job, your home, or your personal life, taking a stand requires us to be filled with the love of Christ. Notice I didn’t say the wrath of man (which according to scripture does not produce the righteousness of God), but the love of Christ. He has to be working in us for us to take a stand in the right way. Being arrogant, cocky, hateful, and rude is not the right way; this only makes matters worse. We must do so in the love of the Lord with firmness and respect toward others.

When it comes to standing up I think about the passage of Scripture in Matthew chapter 5 verses 13-16. This passage talks about letting your light shine, but also says if we put our light under a basket then how will others see. Standing up is letting your light shine, and in verse 16 it talks about letting your light shine before men so that they can see your good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Regardless what level you are facing to take a stand, know that by doing what is right according to God’s word you will be letting the light of Christ shine.