One proverb says that if you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything. Isn't that true? If a person does not have the backbone, conviction, and courage to stand for truth, he will fall for lies and deception. If a Christian fails to stand for Jesus, he will fall for the dangerous tricks of Satan himself. Let us consider these words from the New Testament:
"As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ASHAMED, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death."
"For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
"Therefore DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE TESTIMONY about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God....which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me"
Shame is a huge barrier to a Christian's personal impact for Christ, that's why it is addressed so much in the New Testament. Among the long list of the ungodly who will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, are cowards. Imagine that! Cowards are in the same boat as murderers, sorcerers, fornicators, and liars. Interesting.
One of the beautiful aspects of Paul's last statement above is his sense of knowledge and conviction. He said "I know" and "I am convinced". Paul was a man who refused to compromise his confidence in Jesus. He refused to be ashamed of the Lord and His glorious gospel (Romans 1:16), because he knew the power that the good news about Jesus contains. With confidence come knowledge and conviction.
As school begins, it will be a struggle for many of us to be courageous and strong enough to take a stand for the cause of Jesus Christ. Peter said,
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world"
Take courage from the fact that brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world are experiencing the same difficulties and challenges that you are. Whether it be pressure to use bad language, to dress immodestly, to attend filthy dances and proms, or to simply not stand for truth when the opportunity arises.
As we enter this new year, I hope the CONFIDENCE and CONVICTION that we find in Jesus will rest in each one of our hearts.
