Taking It to Work:
We all know what it means when someone “takes a stand”, or when you have to “stand your ground” for something right or honorable. Even as a kid, when dad tells you to “stand up for your sister”, you know what that means. Unflinching, unfaltering, unwavering, you hold your ground. You protect, and you stand tough for what you know is right.
In the world of work and business, there are many grey areas of unethical behavior. There are many situations with bosses, coworkers and customers that can be very difficult to do or say the right thing, especially in the moment, when there might be extreme pressure pushing you in the wrong direction.
Today our Lord is speaking to us about standing our ground in what we know is right, and not giving in to the temptation to “buckle”; to say what they want to hear, or do what we know we should not do. Instead, we are to be strong and resist that, “easy way out” of compromise.
We do it with respect. We do it with love and humility, but we don’t waiver.
The three scriptures chosen for today are a small subset of God’s many promises to protect His righteous, and that’s us when we’re standing firm on doing the right thing, speaking the truth, or taking that higher road. Whether we are alone, with coworkers, or with the boss pounding the table, the low road is never for us.
God reminds us that His ways for His children are never changing, and regardless of any short-term bad consequences of standing firm, in the long-run, there is greater blessing and ultimate protection for those who are called to His purpose.
Without exception, God expects us to stand up, and speak up, for what we know is right, even if it means short-term pain for a time. Overall, your life will be protected and blessed, if you have the strength to stand, as His Word works through you, today.
Psalm 55:22 (ESV) – Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 37:25 (ESV) – I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) – The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Listening to the Holy Spirit:
I protect those who stand rightly. Although many might come against, I support those who call upon My Name and stand in My righteousness. Even threat of death, or the shedding of blood will not move those who have their faith in My right hand, in the precepts of righteousness that have been written before all time, and will exist through all eternity. As you interact with those who do not believe, you must not be deceived, for they do not know Me, nor My ways. Their actions are not acceptable for you, although it would appear they are not condemned. My precepts are for My children; you are set aside, holy for my purpose. You are called to touch others differently with My light of truth. Walk steadfast in what you know is right and good, and do not waiver. With respect and love, stand in what you know is right. I will be with you. Do not judge the short response (the short-term consequence), but that of years. Such steadfastness is rewarded. In love and honor stand.
