10 07 08 TAKE A STAND
“But God chose you to be his people. You are royal priests. You are a holy nation. You are a people who belong to God. All of this is so that you can sing his praises. He brought you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIrV)

Peter writes these words to Christians scattered throughout the Roman provinces (A.D. 60-64). He travelled extensively throughout the provinces and probably wrote this letter from Rome, yet called the area Babylon (1Peter 5:13) to disguise his whereabouts. He was being chased down by the Romans, as we see the beginnings of severe persecution by Nero at this time. Peter would eventually be crucified upside down (prior to Nero’s’) death in A.D. 68.

The world stumbles over the words of the Bible. Jesus’ teachings are rejected as politically incorrect, restrictive, and intolerant. Foundational truths of the Bible are being challenged and even rewritten to fit the times we live in. But we who have been called by God need to TAKE A STAND. God has not changed. (James 1:17). His words will remain forever. (Mark 13:31) We who believe must show how precious these words and our Savior are to us. We have to be living witnesses to the power of God’s grace and forgiveness. We have to be so peculiar to a watching world that they see a difference and want what we have!

Since God has done so much for us, we in turn need to represent Him well. The temptations are out there to compromise what we know is Truth and justify our actions. Yet we need to draw upon the Holy Spirit and one another to resist the offers to negotiate with the enemy and walk the straight and narrow. There should be no doubt as to whom we give allegiance and where our passion lies. Our disciplined lifestyle should be evident to those around us. Others need to see God at work and they need to see that He’s at work in you and me!

Somebody has to take a stand. Joseph did. (Genesis 39:7-23) Daniel did. (Daniel 6:10-28) Isaiah did. (Isaiah 6:8) Joshua did. (Joshua 24:15) Paul did. (Acts 26:2-32)) Esther did as well. (Esther 4:16) The question is this: As we face challenging days ahead, will we TAKE A STAND? If we stand for nothing we’ll fall for anything! Choose ye today whom you will serve!