Standing for Truth in a Fallen World: The Cost and Glory of Courage
In a world that often seems to be running away from God's truth, we are called to be courageous and stand firm in our faith. This call to boldness isn't just about facing external challenges; it's also about having the courage to look inward and confront our own sins and shortcomings.
Standing for truth in a fallen world is costly, but the reward is glorious. This isn't about easy believism or a watered-down gospel. The New Testament doesn't promise an easy path; instead, it invites us to come, believe, and die - to ourselves, our motives, our desire for popularity, and everything the world tells us we need.
Consider the story of Peter Cartwright, a 19th-century circuit-riding Methodist preacher. When President Andrew Jackson attended one of his services, Cartwright was advised to be cautious. Instead, he boldly declared, "Andrew Jackson, you will go to hell if you don't repent." This act of courage earned him the president's respect, who remarked that with a regiment of such men, he could conquer the world.
This anecdote illustrates a crucial point: Our societal status doesn't matter. Whether we work in government or trades, live in mansions or trailer parks, we all need to live with courage. Following Christ faithfully in this world will cost us - friends, money, jobs, alliances. But these temporal losses pale in comparison to the eternal reward.
The gospel challenges us to examine our hearts. Do we have the courage to face our own sin, our brokenness, and lay it before Jesus? Do we have the bravery to look honestly at the cross, which reveals both our need for salvation and God's immeasurable love?
In the biblical account of John the Baptist and King Herod, we see four different responses to truth:
Recognize and Accept Truth: John the Baptist exemplified this response. He boldly spoke truth to power, calling out Herod's unlawful marriage to his brother's wife. John knew the price of his boldness and was willing to pay it.
Complacency: Herod recognized John's righteousness but was too afraid of the cost to stand for truth. He remained complacent, unwilling to upset the balance of his life and position.
Complicity: Herodias' daughter, caught between her mother's hatred and Herod's foolish promise, became complicit in silencing the truth. She didn't fight against the evil request but carried it out.
Cowardice: Herodias sought to destroy the truth that threatened her self-righteousness. When truth compromises our self-image, we might be tempted to silence or destroy it.
These responses aren't just historical; they're mirrored in our lives today. How often do we play both sides of the fence in our faith walk? How often do we remain silent when we should speak up, or make small compromises to be more accepted by a world that fundamentally opposes our beliefs?
“Standing for truth in a fallen world is costly, but the reward is glorious.”
The call is clear: We must not be cowards when it comes to facing our sin. Sin is never neutral; it grows if left unchecked. Dealing with our shortcomings - whether it's unfaithfulness, addiction, lies, or pride - is scary. But if we never confront these issues, they consume us.
Remember the story of the prodigal son. The father doesn't demand a list of apologies; he embraces his returning child with love and celebration. Similarly, when we face our sins, we discover that Jesus loves us anyway. His grace is more abundant than we can imagine.
To stand for the gospel, we must:
Remember that the world hated Jesus first. No matter how palatable we try to make the truth, it will still be resisted.
Recognize that this world is not our ultimate home. Our true citizenship is in heaven.
Rely on the Lord, His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the church for strength. We need these resources both to deal with our sin and to stand firm in the world.
Reach out to the lost with love, regardless of how they treat us. They need Jesus, no matter how much they might resist the message.
Consider the story of Telemachus, a 4th-century monk who felt called to Rome. There, he witnessed gladiators preparing to fight to the death for entertainment. Horrified, he jumped into the arena, crying, "In the name of Christ, stop!" Though he was killed for his intervention, his courageous act led to the end of gladiatorial combat in that coliseum.
This story exemplifies the power of one voice speaking truth in God's name. It shows how a single life, lived boldly for Christ, can change the course of history.
As we reflect on these truths, we must ask ourselves: How are we responding to Jesus right now? Are we living with the courage of John the Baptist, the complacency of Herod, the complicity of Salome, or the cowardice of Herodias?
The invitation is clear: Look boldly at the gospel, humbly accept its truth, and courageously stand on that truth. As we do, God's grace will cover our hearts and minds, giving us the strength to be exactly what Christ desires us to be.
In a world that often seems to be spiraling away from God's truth, we are called to be beacons of light, standing firm in our faith. It won't be easy, and it will certainly cost us. But as we face both our internal struggles and external challenges with courage, we can trust that God's grace is sufficient, His love is unfailing, and His reward is glorious.
Let us, therefore, choose courage over complacency, boldness over fear, and truth over compromise. For in doing so, we not only draw closer to Christ ourselves but also shine His light into a world desperately in need of hope and salvation.
In His Grace,
Brad