Where You Stand
Don’t you hate it when people ask where you stand? On politics, social issues or normal everyday things? It seems everywhere we turn, someone wants to know where we stand.
On politics, social issues or normal everyday things? It seems everywhere we turn, someone wants to know where we stand.
It seems everywhere we turn, someone wants to know where we stand.
Sometimes, it can be unnerving to explain your position. It is especially exasperating when your answer is clearly not what the person wants to hear. Mostly when some well-meaning person (or information seeking) asks where you stand, they are expecting you to choose a side specifically.
There are moments when your response is brutally disappointing.
Sometimes you choose your own side, by stepping out on faith and being like Jesus.
Sometimes you choose to do what is right and biblical, regardless of what others may think.
Sometimes you make a prayerful decision instead of hustling to fight or campaign for a cause.
Sometimes, you choose a side, and leave the rest up to God, recognizing he is always in control and he always has a plan. (and get back to living)
Maybe instead of asking people what they think of a current situation or issue, we should be asking them if they care at all. I don’t mean to be callous, but let’s face it, some may have big life things they are dealing with. Those things may be bigger to them than the information seekers agenda. Maybe they already decided, and it’s over for them. Maybe they need to get back to their life.
Is this you?
Maybe there is a crisis of epic proportions you are dealing with. Financial craziness, sick family members, aging parents and workplace stress are a few things which tend to take precedence over choosing a side. After all, you have a life to live. There are responsibilities and accountability to your family. There is a calendar with obligations, kids activities and grocery shopping. There is personal wellness to be considered.
For some of you, when things come up in the community, school or church which warrant choosing a side, it just isn’t your jam. There are days when the side you choose must be your own. Choosing to deal with your own life is not a bad thing- it’s a biblical thing. You have to take care of your own house first- when I say house I mean your personal wellness, family, or the actual home.
You choose not to be so involved in the politics of the places and people around you. You have an opinion, but you choose to keep it to yourself and move on. You choose to not focus on social issues, church politics or school board decisions. You choose to focus on Jesus and what he expects of you.
He says to be still. Sometimes, you don’t have it in you to fight in a situation, because you are hanging by a thread personally.
He says to love one another, so when sides are chosen and fights get picked and rooms become awkward, you choose to stay back, away from the chaos.
He says to build his kingdom, spreading the gospel. When choices must be made to move forward with his plan, you move forward, because going backward is not biblical and doesn’t make any sense. You do it quietly because all you can do is be obedient to the Holy Spirits voice and part of that is living.
He says to give it all to him, so you give it all to him- your children, your family, your spouse, your time and your money, because nothing is more precious than Jesus.
If this is you, and you are tired of the drama which surrounds making a choice or choosing a side, be done with it. Make your decision quietly. Ask your questions of educated, considerate people. Ignore the negative, choose to look at the Bible first, the physical facts next. Find out where your faith lies. Cast your decision. Lay it down for Jesus and he will show you the way.
Thank you for this. This is what I guess I needed to hear today. Been trying to understand something and I just realized what I need to do. So thank you once again.