Standing Tall

As Christians we value humility.  We steadfastly do day by day what God has called us to do.  As wives we do our best to be help-metes.  As husbands we love and protect our families.  As parents we teach and reteach, model and pray so our children will grow in faith and in favor with God.  Mostly we quietly go about the mission of serving and saving the lost, ministering to those in need, and worshipping from the heart the only true God who has given so much for us.

What we don't expect is to be called on to stand up and fight for our faith.  That day is coming.  Quietly, and sometimes not, there are brewing on many fronts efforts to silence Christians, to remove our freedoms, to wear us down in spirit and in resources.  Are we ready?  Are we willing?  Are we courageous?  No, we are not ready, but God will provide all that we need and will in fact fight for us.  All we need is to take the first step to show Him our willingness to follow His lead into the battle.  No, we are not feeling courageous.  We are scared!  We know God is trustworthy and merciful so that His presence will see us through whatever task He has designed for us.

In the meantime we need to step up our efforts to teach the Good News, to prepare our children with sound doctrine and faith, to love our neighbors and communities through service, letting our light shine so that those who observe us will be drawn to praise God, and see that we are not the enemy of society.  Reread Eph. 6:10-18.  Notice that prayer is the final urging.  

The battle/war will not be won without the unity of Spirit among Christians.  We will be of no use if we contend with each other, criticizing, shunning, or letting pride rule.  Perhaps this coming battle will show us how to be one as Jesus prayed in John 17.  Let us begin to train and arm the troops!