It's time to take a stand!

 

For right or wrong, I do not get into political debates anymore. I do everything I can to keep the doors open to share the gospel message with ALL people. I could easily destroy my ability to reach the lost if I made a stand publicly on politics. In my opinion, Christians wade into the battle of politics and nationalism way too often. A person can post scripture about the love and peace of Jesus and the next moment post hate about a particular political candidate or party. Here is what James says about it:

"People cam tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" (James 3:7-10)

It would be interesting to see what James would say about many Christian's facebook posts! 

I constantly look at why it is necessary to respond to social media. What is to be gained by making a particular post? Will it glorify the name of the Lord? Will it destroy my witness to a group of non-believers? I am much more cautious about what I post than I used to. BUT...............

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE MUST TAKE A STAND. 

Nehemiah gives us a great example. When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the walls of God's city, he was under constant harassment and intimidation. 

"Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, "What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they're doing? Do they actually think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap -- and charred ones at that?" (Nehemiah 4:1-2)

The harassment and intimidation got worse and eventually the Jewish community felt they were going to be attacked by these naysayers. They took a stand, they didn't care about the harassing words, but they would only let it go so far until they were willing to sacrifice their lives for God's project! They took a mighty stand!

"When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. But, from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm!" (Nehemiah 4:15-18)

Notice, they didn't attack their enemies, but they were ready to defend themselves. Shouldn't that be our approach as well? We don't need to attack our enemies, but we need to draw a line and be willing to stand against an attack. We have the right to defend ourselves. God was watching over the Jews as they rebuilt the wall. They were doing his work. When we do God's work, we can be confident he will be there and when we need to take a stand he will be right there standing with us! PRAISE GOD!