For the full context of this post read 1 Kings 20:13-35.
Christians are called to honor God in word and deed. It honors God when we stay away from behaviors, lifestyles, and actions that do not align with Christ’s character and teaching. We are not called to judge and condemn others. We are called to show Christ’s love and we can do that simply by living a life that honors God. There are occasions, however, that we are called to do more than silently obey Christ. Sometimes our obedience to God requires advocacy and action. Sometimes we are called to fight for or against something.
13 Meanwhile a prophet came to Ahab king of Israel and announced, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
14 “But who will do this?” asked Ahab.
The prophet replied, “This is what the Lord says: ‘The junior officers under the provincial commanders will do it.’”
“And who will start the battle?” he asked.
The prophet answered, “You will.”
(1 Kings 20: 13-14, NIV)
Ahab was called to fight for the Israelite. The prophet told him he would start the battle. I am not suggesting that you stir up trouble, start a petition, picket line, fight, or war. I am suggesting that when God directs you to take a stand for his righteousness, that you would be sensitive to know how to appropriately advocate for his kingdom’s sake.
Taking a stand for Christ is not comfortable. It may be easy to silently opt out of going to the local strip club with your buddies. That honors Christ. It may be harder to explain to your buddies why you chose not to engage in that behavior. It may be easy to write a check to support ending the exploitation of women and children. It may be harder to give up vacation time, or change a vocation, to serve in the front lines to end sex trafficking. This is just one example.
God is the defender of the weak. He sees and takes care of the oppressed. If he has called you to take a stand for his righteousness, don’t be afraid to fight. When God gives you a task, do it. Who will start the battle? You will. Who will stand for injustice? You will. Who will be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves? You will. Who will feed the hungry, care for the sick, love the orphans? You will. Don’t wait. Do.
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