Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus

More and more I am seeing and hearing things that scare me. Fear, you may say, should not be part of the Christian’s vocabulary. And certainly, there are things which must not and should not frighten His children. I am still frightened by the way in which many want to carry the church of Christ. People are not wanting to “make waves,” “ruffle feathers,” or “rock the boat.” In plain language, they do not want to truly make known their religious convictions or to defend the truth contained in God’s Words. I have heard some men say, “Just sit tight and it will pass.” Are we living in a generation that has no convictions? Has the time come when God’s people had just as soon watch error grow as they had to “earnestly contend for the faith”? This attitude will clearly define one’s true convictions.

I am not referring to those who have already defected and taken on the identity of denominationalism and apostasy. I refer to those who want to be identified as sound but do precious little to help in holding “the pattern of good works” (Titus 2:6-7), and who will not stand with others who are “contending for the faith” (Jude 3). What will be accomplished with those who are “closet Christians”? My brethren, we greatly need those who will truthfully stand up for Jesus.

When Christians are confronted with error or even the hint of error, they must stand up for Jesus. If error is to be met and defeated it will only be done when God’s people take a sure and firm stand for truth. In fact, that is what is demanded of the saints (1 Corinthians 15:58; Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 12:1-2). Godly preachers and elders must never say that the conscience is the guide because the conscience will always be wrong unless it is educated (Acts 23:1; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Timothy 4:2). I mention the conscience because some try to salve their consciences by saying “It would be better for me to let others do the defending and debating.” What a cowardly position to take. Remember this question asked by Moses in Numbers 32:6; “And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?” Some are content to let others go to battle in their stead. We must realize that no one else can fulfill our personal responsibility. And how small will the number grow if more and more take this same position? It is time for every Christian to stand up for Jesus!

It seems that some have stuck their heads in the sand as if the problem will go away. I suppose it is a sense of security for some, but in fact, it is not safe at all. This is an indication of brethren being afraid or uncaring. Either way, it is ungodly! Who would want to go into battle with those who are willing to just “live and let live?” When men are content to let error run rampant through this brotherhood, are we not just as guilty as the false teacher? Read 2 John 9-11 and see the sin of not standing against ungodly issues, practices, and those who espouse and spread them. Who will stand up for Jesus?

Toney L. Smith