Do you stand firm for what you believe in?
I read a devotional recently that talked about how sometimes we don't take a stand....because we don't want to hurt somebody's feelings....even if we disagree with what they're saying, or doing....we just keep quiet....or hope that somebody else will speak up so that we won't have to. I had never really thought about this part of what the writer had to say....that if we don't let the person know that we disagree....then, are we condoning their actions?!?
So....this really got me to thinking....about so many times in my own life that I let things just slide on by to keep from rocking the boat. Recently, I took a stand on something....and for a while could tell that there were some folk who were offended....but I knew in my heart that I was doing the right thing. If somebody hadn't spoken up....then, the situation would have escalated and gotten out of hand....so I guess I had to be the so called "bad guy".
And....I'm not saying that just because I disagree with somebody....that I'm always the one in the right. I'm referring to those times that we know things are wrong....and we refuse to step in....or, step up!!!
I read a devotional recently that talked about how sometimes we don't take a stand....because we don't want to hurt somebody's feelings....even if we disagree with what they're saying, or doing....we just keep quiet....or hope that somebody else will speak up so that we won't have to. I had never really thought about this part of what the writer had to say....that if we don't let the person know that we disagree....then, are we condoning their actions?!?
So....this really got me to thinking....about so many times in my own life that I let things just slide on by to keep from rocking the boat. Recently, I took a stand on something....and for a while could tell that there were some folk who were offended....but I knew in my heart that I was doing the right thing. If somebody hadn't spoken up....then, the situation would have escalated and gotten out of hand....so I guess I had to be the so called "bad guy".
And....I'm not saying that just because I disagree with somebody....that I'm always the one in the right. I'm referring to those times that we know things are wrong....and we refuse to step in....or, step up!!!
Now....please know that I'm in no way self promoting myself by telling you this....actually to the contrary. Way too often, I just let things go and don't speak up and it just causes a lot of anxiety.
Having the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart strings can get pretty annoying, can't it?!?!?
;)
I never want to hurt anybody's feelings....but....what about hurting God's feelings?
And....isn't that what we do....if we don't stand firm in our faith and obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit?!?
As difficult as it is to have a disagreement with a friend....if that should happen when we take a stand....then, we need to just leave the matter in God's hands and let Him work it out....because the Friend we really need be pleasing....is HIM!!!
I Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)
Be on guard.
Stand firm in the faith.
Be courageous
Be strong.
And do everything with love.
In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!
In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!
Oh, honey, I agree with you 100%. It's a huge step to action or make a statement when we know that what we're seeing or hearing isn't what's in our hearts. And who puts that in our heart but our Father.
ReplyDeleteGood point. Well taken.
Weezer
Great food for thought. I normally go with the flow as well, just to keep the peace. But sometimes, I make a stand and stay firm. Right is right and sometimes you have to speak your mind or you can't live with yourself.
ReplyDeleteI stand firm. I have never been what I call a "raft rider", someone who goes with the flow. You see, I stand on the rock as in the song, Rock of Ages.
ReplyDeleteI am certainly never always right, but I know the difference in right and wrong, justice and injustice. If we stand by, we are not standing on the Word.
I love your post today!
{{hugs}}
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Go to my blog Ms. Debbie and read it about religious freedom. I know slowly everyday our freedom to worship is being chipped away, while other religions get to do what they want. Tabitha and I have talked about this and it's posted in there along with things going on in our school systems too. I may not get the chance to speak my opinion in certain situations but if opportunity knocks as God allows I do stand firm on my faith and many people have come up to me and asked are you a "Christian" and I say it proudly yea I am. Love ya.... Robin
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