Your Daily Devotional for October 18, 2006

 

October 18, 2006

 

 

Take a Stand!

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

 

 

Romans 12:1-2

 

 

Let’s face it—this world isn’t getting any better. In the media and entertainment, the violence and crime, and in many other aspects our nation is not living by the biblical principles it was founded upon. It is time that Christians took a stand and started living for God. There are many Christians today who are living like the world. Who will take a stand for what is right? The problem isn’t that we are afraid to take a stand. It is often that we do not love God enough to forget those things around us and be completely sold out for Him.

 

How can you take a stand in this hostile world? First, you must look to the Scriptures for guidance. The general principles for knowing God’s will and fulfilling it are found in God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The Bible will help guide your steps as you seek to take a stand in this world.

 

You must be ready to surrender your will to Him if you will take a stand for Him. You must commit your mind, body, soul, and spirit to Christ. Let Him have His way in every area of your life. If there is even one area that you are holding back, God cannot use you to your full potential. Many Christians wish they could be used of God in a great way but they fail to surrender every area of their life to Him.

 

Lastly, you must be willing to suffer. God does not put suffering into the life of a Christian as a means of entertainment! He wants to purify and sanctify the Christian so that Christian can be used by Him in a greater way! He must remove any piece of sin or doubt so He can have complete control of the Christian’s life.

 

Have you ever been to a dentist to get a cavity filled? I would rather jump off the Empire State Building than get a cavity filled! But it is necessary. The first thing the dentist does is he drills down into the tooth to get out the decayed part of the tooth. It’s not pleasant as he drills into your tooth but it’s necessary before he can fill it. If the dentist did not remove every decayed piece of your tooth but filled it anyway, the decay would continue to grow into the tooth despite the filling! So it is with God and suffering. God must remove every piece of sin or corruption in your life so He can fill you with His power. When we are filled with His power will we be able to take a stand for Him!

 

So, are you willing to take a stand for Christ? Look to the Scriptures for guidance, surrender your will to Christ, and be willing to suffer as your life is purified. God wants to use you to make a difference in this nation for Him. Are you willing to be used of God? Take your stand for the Lord today!

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