If you’re staying silent and not standing up for what you know is right because you haven’t been “led” to do so, I can’t help but wonder who your guide is.
It’s not that those doing wrong are strong; rather, when things aren’t made right, it’s usually the case that those who know what’s right are just weak men. When confronted by God, Adam had an excuse – the woman God gave him. Adam failed to own up to the fact that God also gave him a commandment to follow. Still though, Adam had a way of blaming God for his failure to say no when offered a bite of the fruit.
How often do we use similar excuses? We look for an out by pointing to the circumstances as a way of exempting ourselves from taking a stand for truth. (Rom 12:2)
‘These are the parents God gave me so I have to go along with what they’re doing even though I know it’s wrong.’ (Matt 10:37)
‘This is the job God gave me and they scheduled me to work on Sundays.’
‘This is the pastor, deacon, teacher God gave me so whatever they say must be true.’ (Acts 17:11)
“These are the politicians…” Wait.
Ever notice how we don’t say the same thing about the politicians God let us have? When the problems are further from home, we somehow find the courage to open our mouths and speak up. The reason for this is most often because we feel that distance protects us from any immediate consequence. How many times do we know what the right thing to do is but for fear of how we’re going to be treated or of the uncertainties that lie ahead, we look for any reason to keep our mouths shut?
2024 is just days away. I love New Years because it’s a time of new beginnings. It’s a new season in our life and it comes with it’s own dedicated number sequence like a chapter of a book.
In 2024, be committed to truth and taking an open stand for what’s right. Whether it’s the statehouse, the church house, or your house, stand for what is true and what is right – it’s all in the Bible.
You are either going to be responsive to the truth or you won’t – you cannot have it both ways. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life…”(John 14:6) Think about that if you don’t feel “led” to speak up for the truth. If Christ isn’t leading you, then who or what is? Is it desire? relationships? ambition? What?
As you move into 2024, make the commitment that nothing is more important than the truth. Challenge yourself. What are you willing to walk away from in defense of the truth? If you’re not “led” to speak up for truth and what’s right, why?
2024 is days away.
Commit to truth.
