Stand Alone

To stand-alone means that you take a stand for what is right. There should be no confusion between right and wrong; however, debate about it is ongoing. This is why it is critical to get your moral definitions from God’s Word. Some things like dishonesty, murder, idolatry, adultery, drunkenness, cheating, stealing, pride, unforgiveness and laziness are clearly defined moral issues that need not be compromised.

Individuals, families, organizations and governments who tolerate immorality will become its victim. At the same time, society may be insistent on rewriting the rules of decent behavior. You and your influence may be one of the few resistors to the majority’s malaise. Do not give in to the pressure to compromise your convictions.

You know the financial ruin that seduces those sucked into gambling’s grip. The lie of gambling is that nobody gets hurt; it is mere entertainment. The truth is that it strips dignity and decency from a person and everyone associated with them. Stand alone in this battle over money.

You know that human life begins in the womb. The lie of abortion is that freedom to choose overrides the protection of life. The truth is that abortion kills babies and it kills the parents’ respect for themselves. Stand alone in this battle over life.

You know that marriage is meant for a man and a woman. The lie of homosexuality is that people have a right to enjoy same-sex relations. The truth is that homosexuality is relational perversion. Stand alone in this battle over marriage. The whims of the crowd come and go. Your God-given convictions are meant to remain.

Stand alone at work, in school and in your community. When you stand alone, you still have God. So to stand-alone does not mean you are isolated from Him. On the contrary, when you choose to make a stand for what’s right, your walk with God goes to a whole other level. While the crowd subscribes to what is wrong, He smiles when He sees you stand up for right. There is a warning, however: Do not become proud of being right.

God is the one who has given you clarity of conviction and keenness of vision. If anything, your attitude will become more humble and trusting in Him. The spirit of Jesus is your greatest defense. Use His methods of teaching truth, reaching out to the sinners and rebuking the religious hypocrites. Jesus was firm, fair and friendly.

We can be and do no less as we stand-alone against the onslaught of unrighteousness. Indeed, to stand-alone is to stand with God and to stand with His godly followers. Do not fall into the temptation of turning on each other. We are all in the process of becoming more like Christ. If we can agree on these large issues, then the smaller ones will eventually take care of themselves.

So, fear God and abhor sin. Love people and take a stand for what is right. There is a good chance the crowd will carry you over the cliff of godly convictions. Instead, you become the influencer. The crowd is your mission field. Serve it with humility, grace and persistence. Sometimes members of the crowd will awaken and come over to your side.

Keep shining the light of your life and the light of truth into their eyes. You never know who might respond. Stand alone for the sake of your faith, of your family, for God’s sake and for the crowd. What you do and say matters. Steward it wisely. Choose Christ over the crowd!

Taken from the Dose 19 reading in Boyd Bailey’s Infusion. This 90-day devotional book is a compilation of the reader’s favorites from Wisdom Hunters daily devotional. Andy Stanley says, “I have walked with Boyd for over 20 years and I am definitely wiser for it. You are going to love this book!”