STAND UP

Proverbs 12:7 [NKJV] The wicked are overthrown and [are] no more, But the house of the righteous will stand.

The Hebrew word translated “will stand” can mean to endure. It can also mean to take a stand. I believe that the house of the righteous endures specifically because it is a house that takes a stand. 

We are not meant to be silent or hidden in this world. 

Luke 11:33 [ESV] No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.

God’s own light, His Spirit, has been given to those who give their lives to Him. We must then hold that light up high – place it on a stand so that it may be lifted higher and shine out further. No one should question whether or not I am a Christian, because the light of God in me should be so obvious that they cannot doubt it. 

However, we should not think of taking a stand only in the context of a Christian choosing to be killed rather than denying Christ. Don’t think of it only in the context of some well-known athlete writing scripture on his body or clothing before a game. Don’t think of it only in the context of losing your job over the Sabbath or intervening for someone being harassed by a bully.

Taking a stand happens in small things every day – in a refusal to gossip, in praying for blessings for an enemy, in choosing time with God over screen time, in calling or writing a hurting friend when you have other things to do. It happens in teaching our children and grandchildren to love and listen to God, and modeling godly behavior to them. It even occurs when we choose joy over despair or peace over worry and fear.

If you don’t turn and attack a person who has caused you trouble with gossip or back-biting at work, but instead praise and support that person – show them good in return for evil – people will notice. If you return a soft answer when faced with wrath, people will notice.  Sisters, these are choices to stand in God’s ways – to stand in His light – that we have the opportunity to make almost every day. 

Whether in small opportunities or large ones, we must always take a stand on the side of God. If we do, the house of works we do in this life will stand in the minds of others long after we are gone from this life. 

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 [NIV] 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved--even though only as one escaping through the flames.

It will stand with God, too, in His heart and in eternal rewards for what we have built with His light in us.

Luke 19:17 [ESV] And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'

Sisters, please join me in praying for God’s help to take a stand today – a stand for good and against evil; a stand for love and against hate; a stand for peace in a world where there is none; a stand for hope in a world that needs it so much and a stand for God in any circumstances where we can let His light shine in our lives and in the world around us. 

Let’s pray to always stand up for God, for His ways, for His Word and for His Son, our Savior. If we have the determination, strength and Divine help to take a stand in this world, in small ways every day and in bigger situations when they come our way, then the houses we build – houses of godly character – will be built upon the Rock [Luke 6:48] and they will endure for all eternity.

I welcome your thoughts, comments and questions. You can write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org.