Often, we don’t take a stand for what we believe in. Sometimes people say negative things about God or people look down on what Jesus had done and say it’s just a fairytale and then we don’t say anything.

We have all the reasons neatly in place in our minds about not wanting to give offense or not wanting to start a long argument or “I’ll go and talk to that person later on” – which never happens.

If we’re filled with passion about our faith and Jesus, why don’t we speak up when others attack Him?

I suspect it’s because we prefer an easy life or want to be comfortable and only want everything to stay nice. It’s probably human to avoid rough water, but unfortunately that’s not how it works when you follow Jesus.

Jesus hardly ever found Himself in calm water. Everywhere He went the government or even the church of the time persecuted Him. People thought the things He said were outrageous. It was not possible to live like He said. The freedom Jesus brought did not fit into their way of believing.

That caused ructions all the time and they attacked Jesus, because He muddled their calm water.

If Jesus experienced so much opposition, shouldn’t we be even more prepared for it happening to us too? ¹³So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. ¹⁴This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come.

We must be prepared for waters that won’t always be calm. Some people think we’re deranged. Some people even gossip about us when we walk by. We must simply ignore it and witness love to them through our actions.

We have to show them what Jesus looks like, even if they mock us. Maybe it will open their eyes. When people try to hurt others and receive love in return, they have no defense against that and become vulnerable. And when they are vulnerable, we can get through to them.

But living in this world is not always that easy. Then we have to remember that this world is temporary and will pass. One day it will simply stop existing.

People who don’t hold onto Jesus and believe in Him will get a huge surprise. Sometime earth’s sell by date will come and then it will be gone forever. So, I’ll take the punishment, the mockery and ridicule, because the place where I’m going is perfect. There are no crises. There is no disease. It will be eternal joy.

Scripture
Hebrews 13:9-16

Reflection
What does your life look like?
Do you take a stand for what you believe in?
Do your actions always show it?

Prayer
Lord, it’s not always easy for me to stand up for what I believe in. Help me to take a firm stand and to live what I believe, even if it hurts sometimes. Amen.