Who Will Stand?

Many states currently face pending legislation that could significantly impact Christians. Legislators and judges have defied morality before, but the current battles could have historically serious ramifications. While part of me cannot believe our country has reached the point that it would stand for the closing of churches or the mass imprisonment of Christians, I recognize that some Christians have already faced consequences, fines, and litigation for standing for what is right.

America no longer allows Christians to publically declare the full truth of the Bible. Demands for morality and justice are perceived as hatred, and Christians are increasingly confronted with challenges to their beliefs. Sadly, many churches have caved under the pressure, settling for the proclamation of an anemic message. This weakening does not match Biblical demands for godly men, nor does it follow the example of heroes of the faith.

God sent Moses before Pharaoh to demand the release of God's people from slavery. His own people initially opposed Moses, while Pharaoh ridiculed Moses, lied to him, and eventually threatened to kill him if he ever showed his face again. Moses unflinchingly obeyed God and appeared before Pharaoh fourteen times with God's messages.

Elijah boldly carried God's message of judgment to wicked King Ahab. For three years Elijah was forced into exile, living for a time by a remote brook and then being cared for by a poor widow. Then Elijah obeyed God by appearing again to Ahab, who hated him. After a faith-permeated challenge and a tremendous victory, Elijah again had to flee for his life, yet he later confronted Ahab again at God's command.

After Esther became queen to Ahasuerus, the Jews' lives were put at risk due to a plot approved by Ahasuerus. Esther took her life into her hands by appearing before the king without pre-approval. Her precarious position continued until her appeal was heard and new legislation allowed the Jews to defend themselves and live.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a decree from Nebuchadnezzar, ordering them to bow down and worship an idol. When everyone else knelt, these three men courageously remained standing. When given a second chance, the three men remained adamant. When facing death in a fiery furnace, they refused to compromise.

Daniel was confronted with a law that forbade prayer to God. He knew the decreed punishment; offenders would be thrown into a den of ravenous lions. Daniel openly prayed anyway, doing what he had always done, rather than yield to a law that undermined his beliefs.

Peter and John were arrested for doing God's work. At their trial they spoke boldly of salvation through Jesus. When they continued preaching, they were placed in jail, narrowly escaping a death sentence. They were later beaten and threatened, yet continued preaching.

Paul was often beaten and imprisoned because of his ministry with the gospel. He faced riots, murderous plots, and years of trials. Paul continued preaching the gospel even when he was imprisoned and kept under constant guard.

In their obstacles, the characters above proclaimed bold statements of faith and resolve. Moses called out confidently, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD" (Exodus 14:13).  Elijah rebuked Ahab, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have" (I Kings 17:18). Esther declared, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego affirmed, "Even if He does not [deliver us], . . . we are not going to serve your gods" (Daniel 3:18). Daniel rejoiced, "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths . . . inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him" (Daniel 6:22). The apostles proclaimed, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Paul stated, "I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course" (Acts 20:24).

These men and women obeyed God and stood for truth even at great personal risk: angry rulers, death threats, exile, poverty, potential execution, a fiery furnace, a lion's den, imprisonment, beatings, martyrdom, and years of litigation. Hebrews 11:35-38 describes more heroes: "Others were tortured, . . . others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated, . . . wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground."

God highly commends these believers who suffered so much, calling them "men of whom the world was not worthy" (Hebrews 11:38). Are believers today willing to face the same risks and suffer the same consequences in order to be true to God? Will they purpose to remain faithful so that one day they also can hear words of commendation from God: "Well done, good and faithful slave. . . . Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21)? Are they willing to face fines, prison, courts, vandalism, protests, being ostracized, loss of property, poverty, and shame? Am I willing to exchange the writing that is dear to my heart for jail if that is where God places me instead? Am I willing to give up my freedom and comfort for what is right? Does God's glory mean more to me than the specific circumstances of my life?

My pastor just preached a sermon that included many of the above thoughts. He made it clear that our church will operate based on conviction of the Word of God rather than political pressure or public opinion. He ended by inviting those who are committed to remain faithful to come to the front of the church. The space could not hold us, as members moved immediately en masse to declare our intention. We don't know what will that mean and perhaps some will not follow through, but it was amazing to see our church united in the resolve to stand for Christ. I don't want severe consequences any more than anyone else does, but I know that I want my heart to be committed to God above all else.

Christians across our country and world must stand for what is right, declaring and living out the truth of the Bible even when it is unpopular or difficult. They must study the Word and be faithful in a good church so that they know what that truth is. They must stand behind godly leaders, pastors, and public figures, who will be on the front lines in the attacks. If those leaders are taken, believers must move into their positions and continue the fight. Christians must pray for their leaders now, that God will protect them and help them to be strong. Christianity may face more difficult days in the future, but following God will always be right and will ultimately bring victory.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 (NASB)