The Standing At Issue!

There was a politician who was asked where he stood with regard to a controversial issue. His response was that he had friends on both sides of the issue (for and against) and that he always stood with his friends. Is that what our life conveys with regard to our Christian faith? Do people wonder or is it clear which side we are on? Are we like those who want to stand with one foot in the boat and the other on the dock? Most of the time those who do so end up getting all wet.

After the Israelites made the golden calf while Moses was up on the mountain, Moses asked the question….
“…‘WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE? Come to me.’….” ( Exodus 32:26 ESV)

Joshua exhorted the nation of Israel to….
“…CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.” ( Joshua 24:15 ESV)

Jesus explicitly stated…
“WHOEVER IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” ( Luke 11:23 ESV)

Peter and the other apostles emphatically declared…
“…‘WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN.’” ( Acts 5:29 ESV)

And Paul asserted…
“For AM I NOW SEEKING THE APPROVAL OF MAN, OR OF GOD? Or am I trying to please man? IF I WERE STILL TRYING TO PLEASE MAN, I WOULD NOT BE A SERVANT OF CHRIST.” ( Galatians 1:10 ESV)

Such has been the choice of the ages! Where do we stand? Have we stepped over to the LORD’S SIDE! Are we choosing “this day” (and every day) to SERVE THE LORD? Are we continuing to stand WITH JESUS? Have we resolved to remain OBEDIENT TO GOD’S desires? Is our mind set on seeking GOD’S APPROVAL by remaining a SERVANT OF CHRIST?

Where does our friendship cause us to stand? ( James 4:4) Is it with the world or is it absolutely with God? Let us live in such a way that our standing with God becomes more and more evident to those around us. May our conduct always indicate we have made the choice to stand resolutely with Him and that we take that choice very seriously!

Have a great day STEADFASTLY MAINTAINING FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD!
Carl

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