Called to Take a Bold StandSample

Standing in Faith

In the biblical sense, faith moves. Faith is active and moves us closer to God with every step it takes. Hebrews 10:38 says, “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (NKJV). This world’s time clock is winding down. The hour has never been later, which is one more reason to drill down on the truth. Those with military backgrounds understand that drilling down means repeatedly doing the maneuver or exercise until it becomes second nature. Have you noticed how the Spirit does that in your private study of the Bible? How He faithfully bring you back around to what you already know to strengthen your understanding or mindset? For instance, you can read the book of Genesis ten different times, and each time, God will speak to you in another way. He will provide new insights just like He provided fresh manna for the children of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness. This also happens when you give eight pastors the same passage, and they teach eight different applications of the same truth. This is the Spirit’s methodology—His way of repeatedly strengthening our resolve to allow faith to govern our lives entirely.

We can spiritualize our beliefs to the point where they have no practical value, but our conduct is where our beliefs are shown to be genuine or not. It isn’t how much Bible we read in a day, but how much of it gets into us as a reality. Is there an adequate supply of scriptural doctrine in us to the point where it governs our lives? When you read warnings like 1 Corinthians 8:9, “Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak” (NKJV), can you see potential applications? Let me illustrate what I mean by using examples about the way we dress and how we talk.

Most days, we get dressed and encounter the outside world. Men, many of you have built an impressive physique at the gym. You’re proud of all that hard work and want to show it off with shirts that showcase your muscles. But to what end? Women, provocative styles garner attention, but what is your motivation? When you hear the Spirit of God say, “Maybe you shouldn’t,” then don’t. Perhaps your outward presentation is fine, but your heart isn’t, and your words are the evidence. Now is the time to make a change. Whatever is in your heart determines what you say (Matthew 12:34 NLT).

"Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them…Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:29, 31-32 NLT). Taking a bold stand isn’t only about confronting enemies of the faith; it also means upholding righteousness in our personal lives. “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12 NKJV).