Stand Up!

Ephesians 6:13-14a

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore...

In a world that is counting on those "blind followers" to sell their products, get behind their ideals and agendas, and swallow their lies; you don't year much about people "taking a stand" anymore.  But I believe there has never been a day in modern times when God's people need to take their stand anymore than right now.

All around us people are letting down their guard.  They're being lulled to sleep by the media, entertainment world, and even their own churches in some cases.  We're being told that everything is "ok" to do now.  We can "do whatever we feel is right".  However, God has never changed.  His values are just the same as they were in the beginning of time.  It's His opinion that matters; His rules we are to follow; by His Grace we can make it; and His Heaven we will gain if we are faithful.

Why do we feel the world's opinion matters so much? Why do we let them set the precedent for everything in our home and life?  It's time we, as God's People, learn how to STAND UP!  We don't have to allow the world around us to press us into its mold.   We are here to help change the world by sharing the Gospel, not to allow them to change us. 

How can we take our stand when everyone around us is going the opposite direction? Ephesians tell us to put on the Armour of God.  Just as a soldier wouldn't go into battle without his protection and weapons, we Christian Soldiers have no business going out into a wicked world without God's Grace in our hearts and Him by our side.  There will be fiery darts that Satan will send our way.  We need to have the Shield of Faith firmly in our grasp.  With Christ as our strength we can "resist the devil and he will flee" (James 4:7)

There is no need for more "followers" in our world.  But Christ does need people who will stand up and be faithful to His cause.  Let's determine to be those people.

"Stand up, stand up for Jesus ye Soldiers of the Cross. Lift high His Royal Banner, we must not suffer loss!"