Jesus is the one we should follow (Revelation 14:4); whose steps we should pursue (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus is the great pattern for everyone to follow (Luke 9:43). We all need to “Stand up for Jesus.” Why? He did no sin (1 Peter 2:22); He is the Lamb of God (John 1:29); He lives forever (Revelation 1:18). Salvation is in His name (Acts 4:12)! Eternal life is found in Him (Romans 6:23). All spiritual blessings are in Him (Ephesians 1:3). He tasted death for all mankind (Hebrews 2:9), and gave His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Truly the Lord is gracious (1 Peter 2:3). These are some of the reasons why we should stand up for Jesus, the perfect pattern that we should follow. Let us then think of the ways that we may stand up for Jesus.
We stand up for Jesus when we live as we should. We should never bring shame and disgrace upon the Lord’s name. The world points a finger of scorn at us and says that if that represents Christianity then it wants no part of it. We cause the good and honest people to stumble; we have set a bad example for others to follow. All of this hurts the cause of Christ. Remember the words of Paul, “Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Christ wants us to do all in His name to His glory (Colossians 3:17). We need to magnify Christ (Philippians 1:20), so others can see Christ living in us (Galatians 2:20). The manner of life of the Christian is “becoming” to the gospel (Philippians 1:27). The life of the Christian can adorn or beautify the teaching of Christ (Titus 2:10). The life of the faithful, dedicated Christian magnifies the doctrine of Christ and glorifies the Father (Matthew 5:16).
We stand up for Jesus when we develop and grow as Christians (2 Peter 3:18). There s no greater question to the sincere Christian than “Am I Growing?” Have I been growing in the past? Am I growing now? Am I becoming more of what God and Christ would have me to be? Yet, it is a recognized fact that many Christians are not growing. The Christian grows or dies spiritually. “For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food is for fullgrown men, (even) those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14). To grow spiritually we must desire spiritual milk of God’s Word (1 Peter 2:1-3). To stand up for Jesus we must grow and know the Book, so we will be able to defend it (Jude 3).
We stand up for Jesus when we use our talents for the cause of Christ. The Lord has given responsibility to every servant. This responsibility is to use our talent in which God has given us. Therefore, each does not have the same degree of responsibility. We can see this idea in the “Parable of the Talents” (Matthew 25:13 ff). We do not have the same degree of responsibility, but each must be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2)! God does not require me to be great, but God does require me to be faithful. Because in this parable these servants were judged on their faithfulness (Matthew 25:21, 23). Small ability does not justify a lack of faithfulness! “Will a man rob God?” (Malachi 3:8). God always requires the same faithfulness. Some have greater obligation, some lesser, but each must be faithful. God always demands our best. Let us not be like the one talent man, who had the idea of just barely making it, “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1).
May the Lord help us to have more faith, love, zeal, courage and determination to take a stand for Jesus Christ and for the truth! Remember God is counting on you!
No matter what others are doing, my friend,
or what they are leaving undone,
God's counting on you to keep on with the job
'til the very last battle is won.
He's counting on you to be faithful;
He counting on you to be true.
Yes, others may work, or others may shirk,
but remember - God is counting on you.