Saturday, July 25, 2015

Book Club: Taking a Stand (Do Hard Things, chapter 9)

You're sitting in class one normal day when suddenly the teacher asks a question. And it's a question that has a clear answer according to the Bible, but that answer isn't the one most people would give. You sink further into your chair, focusing on your pencil, and hoping against hope that the teacher won't ask you what you think.

Has this ever happened to you? 

This chapter in Do Hard Things focuses on the final kind of hard thing: taking a stand against things we know that are wrong.

"This is one of the hardest things...to do. It goes against our natural desire to fit in, to be liked, to make friends...We'll look honestly at some of the costs of that decision...But we'll also look at some of the genuine blessings that can come as a result of standing up for what's right." (page 148)

As they put it, a changed heart will result in a changed life. Your convictions will change. Your lifestyle will change. The way you interact with others will change. Going along with the crowd is not always an option. 

Six Principles to Guide Us

1. Start with the Bible.
"What does God's Word say on this topic? Even if the activity isn't directly forbidden, is it in line with scriptural principles in general?" (page 158) We should be regular students of God's Word so we know how to find what we need and what we need to stand up for. 

Don't get caught up with obscure things "like whether it's unbiblical for someone to dye their hair purple...Just because something is new, odd, or distasteful to some doesn't necessarily mean it's unbiblical...Always start with what God's word is clear about." (page 158) 

2. Examine Yourself.
"Challenging cultural norms starts with you and with the commands from God you already know but may be used to ignoring...you must be fighting the fight yourself. People who aren't even trying to practice what they preach are called hypocrites." (page 158)

If you see something going on around you that is sinful, first examine your own life for hints of that same sin. Don't judge others without judging yourself.

3. Listen to Your Conscience.
"Our conscience is our God-given sense of what is right and what is wrong, and as we read and apply His Word, it becomes more finely tuned. If you find yourself thinking that it might be time to take a stand, it's probably because your conscience is flashing the warning lights. Listen up." (page 159)

If you feel like something is wrong, it probably is. Be tuned in to your gut feelings about something. Don't ignore them. 

4. Seek Godly Counsel.
Seek the help of someone more godly and experienced than you (unless you have to make a fast decision). "Tell them what you think God's Word says about the topic, as well as what your own conscience tells you; then ask them what they would do in your position." (page 160)

5. Be Humble, Loving, and Bold.
"The attitude with which you take a stand says just as much as the stand itself...We can (and must) stand boldly...but our standing should always be done with loving humility. We must hate the sin, not the sinner." (page 160) 

In other words, don't try to pick a fight through standing up for the Bible; don't treat people with contempt, remembering that apart from grace you would be no different from them.

6. Be Part of the Solution.
"Try not to point out problems without providing solutions. Make it your goal to show people a better way." (page 161)

Remember that your ultimate goal is to bring people to embrace God's way. Don't just disagree with what is bad; proclaim what is good as well.

The chapter ends with these two questions and a challenge:
  • Is there a stand you know you should be taking but haven't?
  • Is there something in your life you know is wrong but continue to do? 
"If a challenge comes to mind, don't ignore it. Take a first rebelutionary step. The hard thing you're contemplating may be the biggest, most difficult, and most rewarding hard thing you've ever done. Don't miss this good thing God is inviting you to do, and don't tell yourself it doesn't matter. 

"Doing what is right always matters--and it matters now." (page 164)

What do you think? Did you like this chapter? What right do you need to stand up for in your life? 

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