Oh, the things we walk away from when we take a stand for what we believe in...
The world today is a dark place. So many of us get easily caught up in our day-to-day routine of chores, work, family, and entertainment, and its easy to miss what is happening on the other side of the door. So focused on what needs to be accomplished, many a Christian has no idea just how complacent they have become. When one day, the world confronts you, will you be able to stand for what you believe in? Or will you turn and follow the crowd?
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I encourage you to read Acts 19 along with this short devotional
“So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions.”
When Paul and the disciples preached in Asia, they’re very words were a contradiction to the main belief of those who live there. Much money and power was given to those who made and sold idols. In their eyes, the preaching of the gospel would destroy their way of life. When an angry crowd rose against them, “the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord.” Though these people were angry and ready to put on a demonstration, many of them didn’t quite know what they were really angry about.
This scenario sounds familiar doesn’t it? So many things have happened in recent events that carry a similar tone. People taking to the streets, anger and discontent spreading among the masses, infecting the hearts of the people, but many don’t even know what they are angry about. How easy it is to follow the crowd, to get caught up in emotions and hype, to lose ourselves for a cause or and idea that we “hope” is the right one.
If you were to find yourself the enemy of the crowd, what would you do? Would you stand strong for your beliefs? Would you pick up your sword and fight? or would you blend in, hoping to be considered one of the many and not recognized as one of the few? Jesus calls us to be set apart, different, a light in the darkness. That means, many times we will have to stand up when we want to sit down. There will be things we don’t agree with and we need to be vocal about them. It is our responsibility to let others know what the Bible says and be confident in our faith and in our God.
Let me give you a quick example. Though this is on a small scale, I found myself taking a stand not long ago. About 10 years ago, I was introduced to a new and fun work out class and not long after, I decided to become a certified instructor myself. No, I will not tell you the brand, though, those of you that know me personally I’m sure I have already guessed it. I really enjoyed teaching my classes. For nine years I taught consistently and gained several other certifications within the company. About a year ago, I received an email from the company about a new product. This product, was covered in Satanic symbols and promoted occultism behavior and interests. At first I was angry and put off by the email and its contents. I know that many people have no idea what to look for, nor would they recognize as quickly as I do, the signs and symbols of the occult. But, once you know what they are, as believers we need to steer clear of them. I was embarrassed to be affiliated with a company that supported and promoted such evil things. Though I had never planned to leave or discontinue my affiliation with them, this email was the beginning of a huge change for me. I let go of my certification, my main source of income and my future plans of income with this company, and later realized that I came out better for it. I stood my ground and fought for what I believed in. I didn’t go to them screaming or fighting my way out of the company, I simply bowed out quietly, but I no longer have any affiliation with this company nor will I ever instruct these classes again. when I’m asked why I left, I am honest. I did not nor could I ever agree with the things they represent nor would I condone it by staying silent and continuing with the company.
Although, there was no confrontation, this was a stand I needed to make as a believer. I know there will be others, I know there will be harder ones coming in the days ahead, but I had to start somewhere. I challenge you to think over the affiliations, relationships and organizations you put your trust and time into. Do they know where you stand? Do they know about your faith? Are you compromising by being affiliated with them or are you a light unto them? I pray today that you will be a light in this dark world, sharing your faith and showing God‘s love to those who stumble in the darkness around you. Don’t let the fear of losing your job, income, friends, or family Keep you from standing up for what The Bible tells us is right and wrong. God is watching over you and He already has the next step planned out for you.
-ScriptureSparrow