Taking a stand – but for Christ & because of Christ ? or for me & because of me ?

I often read social media articles where I peek into the lives of Christians taking a stand. But many take their stand or they display their dislike of a culture or belief, not by arguing their case on God’s Word or authority, but instead they rely on their own learning and understandings along with humanistic laws and philosophies.

As Christians, we walk in this world as lights and ambassadors for Christ. Our purpose is to present the Gospel by word of mouth and in deeds. We give reason for what we do and how it is because of our belief.

Jesus was born of a race, though chosen by God as His Own, they did not recognize Him. He was born in a land that was under occupation. The only occasions, Jesus confronted anyone was when He dealt with the Scribes and Pharisees; when He dealt with the greed and corruption of the money changers in the Temple grounds and when He taught and/or rebuked His followers or those seeking to follow Him. He did not mock. He was never disrespectful.

By all means, yes we stand for Christ, but we do so in a Christ-like manner. When I read Christians writing and defending themselves without once mentioning God, failing to attribute to God but instead attribute to history, philosophy and fear.

Is the Christian faith of this generation now so weak?

Is it so weak that it feels justified to mock and scorn other people, faiths, cultures? That we feel we must argue from expected rights, long dead histories and by tearing down cultures. Let us mock and scorn. Let us cry “foul”. Let us tremble in fear.

By not reaching out, by not engaging in a Christ-like manner are we not failing to do that for which we were made to do? Instead of building bridges into lives, cultures, nations, we erect walls of nonacceptance, mistrust, superiority, fear and paranoia. Walls not founded on the cornerstone of Christ.

Yes, Jesus did not flee from opposition. Yes, we take a stand.

We don’t support abortion. We don’t support Gay Marriage.We don’t support divorce or greed or lust or thieving or a plethora of other activities that does us no good. But when we stand, then we stand on the Word. We stand on Christ. We trust the Holy Spirit. We give up our rights. We surrender our legal defences if that is what it takes to further the gospel and glorify God. We must trust in God and in His Word.

2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 – Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Isaiah 30:21 – Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Romans 12:1, 2 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Acts 4:18-20 – Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Galatians 6:10- Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Titus 3:1-2 – Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Ephesians 6:19-20 – Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

1 Peter 2 :12 –  Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,