Wednesday Night Recap - Taking a Stand

In the book of Daniel, chapter three tells us the story of three Jewish guys named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. If you are not familiar with the story, take a moment and read it now. There are several things I think we can bring away from this story and how we as Christians can take a stand when faced with pressure to do wrong. First, I think it is critical that we know the difference between right and wrong. Yes, I realize this is obvious, but is it really. Life is full of gray areas. Yeas there are lots of things that are black and white, but we get caught up in the gray and it paralyzes us when we are faced with wrong. A gray area might be using the word sucks in your everyday conversation. There is no commandment in the bible that says, “Thou shalt not say ‘Sucks.’” Some would say, “But what about Ephesians 4:29?” My point exactly. This is gray! But there is a lot in life that is not gray. Cheating is wrong. Sexting is wrong. Lying, underage drinking, idolatry. These are all WRONG! On the flip side, lifting one another up, attending church, being kind to others, working hard are right. We learn right from wrong by spending time with Christ and in His word. Unfortunately, many Christians never think about touching a Bible other than putting in the car on Sundays and Wednesdays. How can we take a stand for anything when we don’t know what is right and what is wrong? Second, we can’t presume just because we stand up for what is right that everything will be ok. Yes, for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, everything worked out ok. But ask John the Baptist. He was beheaded for taking a stand. Peter was crucified upside-down for taking a stand. Yes, ultimately everything was ok when these guys got to heaven. But they suffered real persecution for their beliefs. Are we willing to suffer the consequences to take a stand for what we believe in? Are you willing to put aside your reputation? What if people don’t think you are cool? Taking a stand can be a lonely place. You will NOT be the most popular person by doing it. Make sure your mind is right when you take a stand realizing there may be consequences. From this story we also see that Christ is with us when we stand for what is right. Through the fiery furnace, Christ was there. When we suffer for doing right, he is there. When everyone else in the world abandons us, he is there. Count on it. Finally, we see that taking a stand for our faith will draw other to Christ. When our faith is strong in our lives, others will take notice. How many of your friends are drawn to God because of the way you live? Do your friends tone it down when you come around because they know you don’t want the crude and inappropriate jokes or cussing? Do your friends see your faith and laugh or do they say, “Wow, that Jesus stuff is really making a difference in their life. Maybe I should check it out.” Jesus says we are to be salt and light in the world. How brightly are we shining? The Christian life is not about perfection. It is about striving, pursing the holy life. Living as a Christ follower means dying to our own desires for the desires and life of Christ. (Matthew 16:24-25) Are you willing to lay down your desires this school year and stand for Christ?