Clay Center, Kansas - Have you ever grown discouraged and felt like giving up after standing for what is right? Olivia understood this when she came across evidence of a fellow attorney in her firm overcharging his elderly clients. After she confronted Liam with the evidence that one of his clients provided, he firmly stated, “Olivia, you do not know what you are stirring up here. Stay out of this!” After Olivia went to the firm’s partners, things began to unravel. Threats were made against her so she would stop. Olivia did not know what to do. She feared losing her job and reputation for future employment. And that is what happened. She was eventually let go, which caused Olivia to ask herself, “Should I have been quiet? Did I do the right thing?”
When we stand for what is right, it is normal to have resistance, which can cause doubts. This happened to Moses, the iconic leader of the Jewish people.
While the Jews were under immense suffering because of the abuse and tyranny of Pharaoh, God called Moses to go and confront Pharaoh over his evil. “Thus say the Lord, the God of Israel,” Moses thundered to Pharaoh, King of Egypt, “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.” (Exodus 5:1) Pharaoh was angered by the demand and soundly rejected it. He was so incensed by Moses that he made the Jewish people suffer for it. Consequently, the people turned against Moses leading him to question God, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” (Ex. 5:22-23)
Like what happened to Moses, when we take a Christian stand against any form of evil, there will always be opposition. Why? Because of its spiritual nature. A Christian’s refusal to go along with something plainly wrong or their efforts to expose it, is not merely activism. It is something deeper and more noble. It is standing for the truth that comes from the one who created the heavens and the earth. That truth is found in the Bible, God’s Word, and is the foundation of the glorious gospel of Jesus. Pharaoh’s battle was ultimately with God, and not Moses, who simply spoke the truth of God, which Pharaoh foolishly disregarded. This is why we see God’s Word attacked, lied about and twisted to deceptively trick people.
The reason Christians stand for truth, is not just out of allegiance to God though or His Word, but also because of a deep love for their neighbor. Moses confronted Pharaoh’s evil to free over one million Jewish slaves who were experiencing terrible suffering. When a believer in Christ stands for truth, they are also standing for others, being a voice to the voiceless that seeks to protect and deliver others from the lies of the Great Deceiver.
Like Moses, we can get discouraged over the chaos, division and attacks that come from confronting evil. Remember the words of Scripture, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12) Jesus predicted difficulties when we stand for him saying, “In the world you will have tribulation [trouble]. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
How should you handle the disappointment? Do not be a coward and quit. Instead, plant your flag and stand firm. It is written, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12) Endure. Keep standing through faith in Christ, and persevere with joy in your heart, praise on your lips and with love for those who oppose you.
A prayer for you – Lord God, give me wisdom and courage in exposing evil, and help me to remain steadfast in standing for biblical truth and being a voice for the voiceless. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Clint Decker is President of Great Awakenings. Please share your comment at cdecker@greatawakenings.org and follow his blog at clintdecker.blogspot.com.
