Stand Your Ground
As a Christian in modern society, you face a daunting number of obstacles, distractions, and opposition like never before. It is imperative that you, "stand your ground." The enemy wants nothing more than to get you to compromise and become slack concerning your walk with Christ. Think about that for a moment. The easiest way for your enemy (the devil) to attack you is to catch you when your guard is down. When your guard is down, you are exposed, weak, and vulnerable. My friend, I encourage you to stand your ground always and resist the urge to compromise.
How does the enemy get us to compromise?
He will exploit your weaknesses and place temptation in front of you so that you might open the door. Once the door is opened and sin enters in, it will be difficult to shake the stronghold. Again, I urge you to resist, and stand your ground! Temptation rarely comes in a broken-down, unappealing package. Instead it will come in the form of something beautiful, desirable, enticing. God tells us in His word that if we resist the devil he will flee from us.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is
faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but
with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may
be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
The world belongs to Satan, and has ever since Adam and Eve passed over their ruling dominion to him after sinning in the garden. The world also wants you to compromise in your walk with Christ. Resist the desire to fit in with others around you by placing your Christian values on the back burner. I understand that this is not always an easy thing to do. Remember that your approval and worth comes from God, not men. God will exalt you for your good works in due time, but the world would love nothing more than to see you living in sin. Any time you have to bend your values to fit in, something is definitely wrong.
On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
When adversities come your way and you want to give up, stand your ground. There is a blessing waiting for you. If you are facing a difficult challenge or crisis situation right now, you may have many thoughts about giving up. You may get discouraged and start to question your faith. Trust me, there was a point when I was there. Even though it was tough, I continued to stand my ground and God brought me victory through all of my trials. I am now more blessed as a result of going through my fiery trials because it strengthened my faith, increased my love for the Lord, and provided me with solid testimonies to share with others. If you compromise and give up when times get tough, how will you reach the place of maturity and advancement God is ultimately bringing you to? Many times our trials are a result of our own sin, but God uses these times to test our hearts and our faith. Stand your ground!
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the
world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the
world. John 16:33
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19 KJV
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is
tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him. James 1:12 KJV
Others may not understand when you stand your ground and remain faithful to God. It might mean that you're making a choice which will cause you to be unpopular, or abandoned by the "in crowd." Don't worry, because any friend that causes you to dishonor the Lord, your family, your church, or yourself, is not a true friend at all. These are not the kinds of friends you need. You need friends who will encourage you to do what is right, to stand strong in trials and tribulations, and pray with you when you feel like giving in to temptation.
Do not be unevenly yoked with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and lawlessness have in common? What
fellowship has light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14
Remember to meditate on God's word and what is good. Avoid fellowship with those who will cause you to stumble for sake of fitting in. Also avoid conversations that tear down rather than build others up. Remember to resist temptation and your enemy will flee from you. Are there people or things in your life that are causing you to forsake your Christian values? You don't need them so get rid of them! Also remember that God rewards the faithful abundantly when they do not compromise to be like the world. You can do it, and the bible tells you so!
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
As always, Truth is Freedom, Knowledge is Power!
