Stand Firm

 ¹² “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³ And so you will bear testimony to me. ¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵ For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ Everyone will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹ Stand firm, and you will win life.

Luke 21:12-19

Lacy and I went to go see "Ides of March" last night.  Pretty interesting movie and George Clooney, Ryan Gosling & Philip Seymour Hoffman were all money in it.  It's a sad look at what goes on in politics.  Yes, I know it's not a true story but let's be honest, it mine as well be.  

What was interesting about the movie was how many of the people in the movie had a certain set of "ideals" that they stood for but when faced with a decision that could cause them to lose, they always compromised.   Whether it was pressure from friends, coworkers, or the public every time they decided not to stand firm on what they believed it through them into more trouble even if at face value they actually "won."

That scenario is terribly different for many of us is it?


How quickly we are willing to compromise what we believe because of a promotion,  relationship,  friend, better grade, gossip, or difficult decision.  In the end where does that get us?  Temporary success?  Maybe.  But inevitably it will come back to get you.  When our integrity goes, so does everything along with it.  


I know that there are gray areas of life where a decision can go either way and one isn't more right then the other.  I believe that happens to us fairly frequently.  But, I also believe that we rely on that to much.  As followers of Christ we aren't supposed to sway back and forth depending on who we are with or what situation we are put in.  


Anyone who has heard me speak for any length of time knows I will consistently say "Excuses are for losers."  Well, if we do what it says in verse 19 and stand firm, we win in the end.  It may be incredibly hard.  You may lose a job, friend, relationship etc...because of it, but it's worth it.  Every time.  


Start peeling back the layers of whatever relationship or situation that you are in and see if it is really as gray as you think it is, or if it's actually black an white.  Are you willing to stand firm in what God has called you to be or will you wilt under the pressure?  I know it could be a hard decision but that's another reason why this whole Christian Faith is a communal thing, not just a personal belief.  Surround yourself with people who can help and support you.  When we have people around us the tougher decisions become a lot easier, and we are stronger because of it.  Most importantly Christ does not leave us.  In 2 Corinthians 1:21,22 it says,

"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,  set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

That's no joke.  He's got your back and so does your community.


"Stand Firm, and you will win life."


Peace,
Wags