Standing Up as Christians

The idea of ‘standing up’ for what we believe has become synonymous with the idea of protest. If we don’t like what someone is saying or doing, we protest. As Americans we have been protesting since the first days of our nation. In that, nothing has changed. What has changed is what we are willing to ‘stand up’ for in the first place.

The Lord said to his disciples, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master; it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10.23-31

Our ancient Christian forefathers ‘stood up’ for their faith. They were willing to die, not so they could have wealth, but so they could worship God. That is what has changed today. As Americans we are quick to ‘stand up’ for secular rights, but we neglect the soul.

We ‘stand up’ demanding the right to behave in a certain way. We demand even that others stop telling us we are wrong. We ‘stand up’ not to protect ourselves, but to control others. If you doubt me, just turn on the nightly news.

‘Standing up’ as Christians should not be about controlling others. It must be about controlling ourselves. If you don’t approve of the choices of your neighbor, then don’t make the same choices. If you don’t agree with your coworker’s politics, then don’t vote for the same candidate.

‘Standing up’ as Christians also means not behaving in the same way as the public. ‘Standing up’ as Christians also means refusing to act in certain immoral ways. ‘Standing up’ as Christians also means being willing to be ridiculed as Christ was ridiculed.

We are mistaken if we think we can avoid secular persecution as Christians. Today’s reading is not meant to frighten us. It is meant to prepare and comfort us. You can start by ‘standing up’ for your faith and choosing to live as Christ calls you today.

Forgive those who persecute you. Love those who hate you. Help those in need. Nowhere in the commandments of God does it say we should control others. ‘Stand up’ for your faith, and control yourself.