Word of the Week: Stand

Rebecca Livermore from San Angelo, Texas, shares a humorous story about her preacher, who clearly looked for interesting ways to gain attention and make a point.

One morning during the adult Bible class, the preacher picked up the lectern and walked back and forth with it. Back and forth. Back and forth. Without a word, he kept walking back and forth as the class sat silently, staring at him.

Finally, someone asked, “What are you doing?”

The preacher replied, “Well, sometimes you just need to take a stand.”

Rebecca said, “It was a great beginning for a lesson on the importance of strong convictions.”

Our word of the week, “stand,” has many uses in English. Incredibly, Dictionary.com lists 50 different usages.  It can mean everything from being upright to adopting a policy, or even tolerating and enduring something or someone.

The New Testament uses the word “stand” to speak of our conviction, courage, and commitment to Christ. Dr. Thayer says it is used metaphorically and means to be ready, prepared, and to continue safe, sound, and unharmed. It has to do with being steadfast. To be firm.

In our faith and loyalty to the Lord and His Word, we are commanded to “take a stand” for what is right. Our religious stance should be based on the gospel. Paul reminded the Corinthians of this when he wrote, “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand” (1 Cor. 15:1).

“Taking a stand” requires watchfulness, strength, and courage. The Bible urges us to “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:1). Our personal faith rests on “the faith once delivered to all the saints” (Jude 3). It goes far beyond personal opinion, individual preference, or doctrinal dogmas. It is given by divine revelation.

Too often, we find ourselves fiercely “taking a stand” on church tradition, partisan politics, or cultural customs. These ought not to divide us. “Take a stand” for what really matters. God’s Truth.

We must stand strong in our spiritual warfare against Satan. Paul exhorts, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph 6:11-13)

The apostle uses the word “stand” three times to encourage Christians to be strong, brave, and courageous. In a world that believes your faith is a private matter and you should keep your convictions to yourself, we must stand up against evil, ungodliness, and the assaults of Satan. Don’t be afraid to “take a stand.”

“Taking a stand” is all about the Lord. It’s not about us. Or our pride. Our feelings. Our turf. Or even “our church.” “Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved” (Phil 4:1). “Take a stand” for Jesus.

Be steadfast. Unfaltering. Unshakable. Unwavering.

“Take a stand.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman