Last Lessons #25 – STAND FIRM

“Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today.” Exodus 14:13

“You will not need to fight this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.” 2 Chronicles 20:17

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13

The Lord of the Bible spoke through Moses and Jahaziel in the Old Testament and Paul in the New Testament telling us there is a time to stand firm and not compromise. I have learned that there are times when I must take a stand against that which I know is wrong. I have also learned that I know what is wrong and what is right from studying the Bible, especially the Ten Commandments.

The question is: when do I stand firm and not compromise on what is right and what is wrong? I am a simple person so my simple answer: whenever the issue of right and wrong demands that I make a decision.

At this time in America’s history, a number of actions have been taken leading our country into that which is wrong according to the Word of God. Therefore, as a Christian I must take a stand and let those making the decisions know their decisions are wrong. I must speak out. I cannot let them silence me.

Another lesson I have learned over the years is that I must decide ahead of time what issues I stand for. In other words, what “hills I am willing to die on.” Waiting until an issue comes up before deciding a position is not wise. In the heat of an argument, it is often tempting to give in and compromise.

Some of the issues facing the United States today that I have said I will not compromise on are:

1. I will stand for only one way a person can be saved from eternal punishment (hell). That way is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. A person cannot be half saved. You are either a Christian or you are not.
2. I will worship the God of the Bible only. I cannot worship God and ----.
3. I will stand for the sanctity of life. Abortion and euthanasia are wrong. We cannot half kill babies nor can we half kill those who are no longer useful. Murder is wrong.
4. I will stand for the biblical truth that marriage is between a man and a woman. God does not compromise on that and neither will I, no matter what laws are passed.
5. I will stand firm on the rule of law. God gave laws and told us we are to obey the laws of the land unless they are against the Scriptures. Then I must obey God.
6. There are other rights that I have been given in America and I will stand for them in whatever ways I can. Two of them are freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

I have told you those things on which I will stand firm. What are the issues on which you will stand firm?

The good news is that when those things we stand firm on are in line with God’s will, he will fight for us. He has promised us that we will not have to fight, we just have to stand firm.

Of course, I continue to learn and one thing I am learning during these challenging days is that when people ask me why and how I am standing firm, I need to speak up and say, “Because I am a Christian.” That is the truth.