In the life of every believer (one who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her own personal Savior) there comes a time when, no matter who we have to hurt, no matter who we have to embarrass, we have to stand for the right and speak out against the evil. It is not an easy thing, by no means, but it is something that has to be done. God has to know that above all things, above friends, work, and even family we will stand for the one True God, our redeemer Jesus Christ. Nothing teaches you that like doing it. No amount of words or stories can illustrate that point like having to look at someone who you have grown to love and tell them that what they are doing is against God and His word, and that you cannot partake or endorse their evil.
Yet it is here, in this time of tribulation when we glorify our Father which art in heaven. For as Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” It is not an option, or even a right, it is a command of the almighty God. We are to be “ steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (I Cor. 15:58) Beyond that, when we have seemingly done all we can to stand against the whiles of the devil we are commanded yet again to reach beyond ourselves into that glorious realm of the Faith of Jesus Christ (from which all of our strength comes) and, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Eph. 6:11-18a)
We should not look at living holy as a burden or even as a hardship for Christ told us plainly to, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:29-30) God ordained us to be different; “for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (II Cor. 16:16-18) |
