Stand your ground

Image by undersound via Flickr

"Stand your ground" By Diane Webb

Ephesians 6: 14—"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness".

"Stand your ground" when you are clothed in truth and righteousness. Do not give up and do not give in when you know you have done nothing wrong. So many people are too quick to give up in order not to cause a fight. Well, the fight has already been caused and we, as Christians, are called to do our part. It's up to us to stand firm in the truth and not give in just to avoid conflict. It does not mean aggressively pursue someone or to be on the offense—attacking others; and it does not mean to be argumentative just for the sake of arguing. It means to not allow others to push you back or make you retreat. This is not to be stubborn and hardheaded but to maintain your ground when you are on the side of righteousness. Many of us can think of examples where we said "I'm sorry" when it was really the other person who was in the wrong (and we knew it); or said, "You're right" when you knew good and well they were not. Standing your ground can be a quiet but effective way to demonstrate your unwavering faith in God's promises, in righteousness, and in truth. It could mean to simply look at someone and not respond at all (instead of being apologetic or conciliatory). Sometimes the easier route may appear to be just to keep the peace and maybe this is the thing to do in some circumstances; however, to always give in to keep the peace is not always the right thing to do. If you give in all the time, then there are likely times you are giving in when God would have you take a stand for truth. If no one took a stand the unrighteous would be completely free to take over anything they chose to (which would be everything). When you are wrapped in truth and protected by righteousness you are asked to stand not retreat in the face of onslaught. It sounds hard but with the protection God gives you it is simple. The vast majority of people who are trying to push you around are so use to people giving in they are easily disarmed when someone simply does not move or waver in their position; Especially if you don't respond at all verbally—just look back at them. Sometimes silence is the most powerful and effective response to people. Perhaps they are trying to bait you into an argument; maybe they want you to expose your weaknesses as you talk anxiously. Try this the next time someone says something rude or insulting (which is often said with a smile to conceal the mean intent)--Just smile back and say nothing. This is standing your ground. You don't have to move forward and actively engage in the battle. You don't have to come back with a good argument. You just simply have to stand your ground and not allow someone to push you from your position. It's no coincidence Ephesians 6:14 advises covering your loins with truth. The loin area is one of the most tender and vulnerable areas of the human body. It's the one place we do not want to suffer a physical blow. It hurts. God realizes we are exposing our vulnerable areas when we stand our ground. The truth is often attacked with lies and the lies are usually about those areas we care about the most. God understands the significance of standing firm in the truth. There is no better protection than truth and righteousness; therefore stand.

Dear heavenly Father, help me recognize those times I am to stand my ground. Help me stand firm in the truth and trust in righteousness. It is my way to make peace, Lord, even if I know I am in the right. Help me, Lord, know when you would have me stand firm and give me the faith to do so. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.