Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 29-31; 1 Corinthians 8
Have you ever found yourself in a position that you had to make a decision that was not popular? Have you been in a situation that you had to make a judgment that made others uncomfortable or put you in an adversarial spot?
Our decisions are influenced by those around us. Our friends influence the way we behave. Our spouse impacts the daily support or lack thereof to our hopes, dreams, morals, and actions. The people we associate with have a major impact on our life journey.
2 Chronicles outlines several kings of the land of Israel. Israel endured sixteen years of reign of King Ahaz who strayed away from the Gospel of our God. Ahaz was punished by God due to his unfaithfulness and his worship of idols.
Following Ahaz, King Hezekiah brought about great change and correction to the Israeli people. Hezekiah cleansed the temple, rid the people of their idols, and provided support through tithes for the priests.
No doubt Hezekiah had to take risks. He had to take a stand and go against the people of his day. He had to challenge their decisions, question their morals, and implore them to make better decisions that demonstrated reverence toward God. He had to change the Israeli people’s thinking and force them to change their ways. No doubt those around him, who had been living and enjoying a life of immorality, likely criticized Hezekiah for his decisions to move them away from sin.
Do you find yourself in a similar situation? Does a neighbor or co-worker need to make changes in their life that are more Christ-centered? Is a relative or friend living a sinful life that you feel likely you need to address?
Many who speak out today do so at great risk. To speak the truth, from the perspective of the Bible and God’s teaching, puts us in contraction to the ways of our present world. To contradict, condemn, or speak out against what is popular, can ostracize a person, create a hostile situation on social media, and ultimately cost them friendships, relationships, their job or their even their life.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord in not in vain.
Joshua 1:6: Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors and give them.
Psalm 31:24: Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord.
My prayer is that during times of difficulty, when you need to stand strong for the Gospel, you have the courage to do so. Do not compromise your support of our Lord, forsake His teachings, and defy His Word because it is not popular today.
Standing firm in the Gospel is not hateful. Living our lives by the teachings of the Bible should not be seen as judgmental of others. We should be exalted to live a Christ-like life, encouraging and imploring others, to get their decisions and life in line with the Word of God.
