It Takes Courage to Stand Up
The world is full of people who believe in something … until there is push back. So often, as quickly as we stand up for something (or someone), we sit down even quicker when standing up causes us to stand out. It takes real courage to stand up for the things and the people we believe in.
On this day, fifty four years ago, October 16, 1968, two African-American sprinters from the United States made a very public, and very controversial statement, on the medal stand during the Mexico City Summer Olympics. Tommie Smith and John Carlos had just finished first and third in the 200 meter dash. During the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner” they raised their black-gloved fists in protest of the issues of racism and injustice in the United States and all around the world.
Both men were booed and forced out of the Olympics by the International Olympic Committee and two days later, the U.S. Olympic Committee suspended Smith and Carlos for their power black salute. This stands as one of the iconic moments in the history of the Black Power Movement.
Whether you support or oppose what these two young men did, you must admit, it took great courage to do what they did. Many times, those of us who are followers of Jesus are forced to take a stand that goes against the flow, to swim alone.
Years ago, while attending a weeklong convention in Atlanta, one evening, the group I was with decided to go to a strip club. In that moment I had two choices to make: I could go with the crowd, compromising my beliefs for the sake of popularity, or I could stand alone and not go. In that moment I chose to stand alone. Instead, I went to a college basketball game. I am sure I lost a few “points” with my co-workers and business associates, but on the other hand, and to me most important, my faith was tested and I passed that test. That decision also allowed me to look my wife in the eyes and know that I did not violate her trust in me. Sadly, I cannot always say that I have passed every test. I am still, and always will be, a work in progress.
It takes real courage to stand up for Jesus in a broken and dark world that has turned its back on Him. Scripture is filled with “stand firm” and “be courageous” verses. In 1 Corinthians 16:13 we see these words – “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.“ Here, in dramatic fashion, he encourages us to be courageous in a world full of hungry wolves. In another letter written by Paul, 2 Thessalonians, we read this in 2:15 – “So, then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we have passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
We don’t get this courage or steadfastness by our own strength. We get it from the Holy Spirit. Sure, we can do or not do, say or not say, certain things, but our real strength comes by the power of the Spirit. Here is what we read – “But the LORD is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
So today, I ask – Are you seeking God’s power and His Spirit to help you stand firm, to be courageous, to stand tall, in the face of adversity, resistance, pain, suffering, rejection, disappointment, even when you might be the only one standing?
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