Stand Up

This morning in my daily devotionals, I came across a passage that really inspired me:

"Lord,

I used to think taking a stand for you

meant arguing with people who didn't

believe in you or in your Word

or who mocked your name.

But lately, Lord, I realize

if I want people to see

how great you are,

I need to let your greatness

shine in and through me.

By loving the unlovable,

being kind to the unkind,

and blessing those who

curse me (and you),

I'm taking a stand for you.

By doing what you've call me

to do (no matter what criticism

or callousness I face),

I'm battling against

the lies of Satan.

Taking a stand starts with

embracing this truth:

If I want you to be real to others

I must allow you to be real in me.

Then I'm truly standing up

for you-not just with words,

but with my life."

-Elaine, from Campus Life's Ignite Your Faith

Actions speak louder than words, so act for God; let his love, grace and joy flow through you! If we devote our lives to Christ and let him work through us, STANDING UP becomes a lot easier. God is always on our side, so we are never truly alone. Sure, sometimes the world can be against us, but as Christians that's the trouble we face. The Bible tells us:

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21

This isn't always an easy task...In many situations, the right thing to do isn't the "popular" thing to do.

Sometimes, in order to do good in this world you have to STAND ALONE and STAND UP for what you believe in! People sin and they do wrong. Don't let yourself follow blindly. This has been happening for years-- all the way back to Old Testament times (Read about how Joshua and Caleb took a stand in Numbers 13-14).

ACT. STAND UP. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Do right even when the world is doing wrong, because that is what God has called us to do!