Being a faithful, obedient Christian has never been easy. Our early forefathers battled Satanic opposition that most modern Christians cannot even imagine. Yet, many of them persevered and stayed their course.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” II Timothy 4:7
It was, and often still is, difficult and a sacrifice to stand against worldliness, godlessness, and ever-changing popular unbiblical social trends. Those determined to be a godly example and do right, no matter the obstacles or consequences, often face embarrassment, being demeaned, and even danger.
However, many in those situations value righteousness more, and they will still stand no matter the humiliation and consequences they may face. Many have even lost their lives rather than surrendering the standards and beliefs they held.
Paul relayed how believers in his time were troubled, persecuted, and “cast down.” But, through all their trials and testings, they were “not distressed,” “not in despair,” “not forsaken,” and “not destroyed.” They endured it all and kept going forward for the cause of Christ, no matter the outcome.
What would their example be if they succumbed to the enemy’s pressure? Their testimony and example to the world would be destroyed, and evilness would triumph! They stood firm on biblical principles and became the light that will shine and be remembered through spiritual darkness.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed… 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” II Corinthians 4:8-12
Those suffering saints understood that standing for what Christ died for was worth all they would suffer and give so that others could have the promise of Heaven and the opportunity to live righteously. They stood firm under pressure to stand for righteousness, no matter what happened to them.
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” II Cor. 4:10
However, with all the early believers endured, they realized they were paving the way for future believers to survive and thrive. They were examples that reminded many of who Jesus is and what He endured on their behalf. Others’ salvation and living righteously is worth all that can be given for that cause.
Today, many Christians think and consider quitting being a testimony if one even hears gossip that the believer is “nuts,” or “taking what the Bible teaches too seriously.” Ridicule from others quiets the wisdom and discernment of a faithful believer.
Even the suspicion that one may face pushback on their biblical stand halts many from ever being a godly example for the world to see. The importance of “if the public is not told or shown what God says to do they will not know” has no value or concern for many!
“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.” Ephesians 6:13
In a time where righteousness has been discarded and evilness is embraced, it is time for all Christians to stand firm and speak loudly of biblical standards and teachings. If we do not tell the world what the Bible teaches, how will they know? Many will eternally suffer because of Christian’s fear of the possible consequences of sharing God’s truths!
“God may not require you to give your life for the cause of Christ, but you still can make a public stand for what the Bible teaches.” — Brinkworth
