CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 806

“Stand Firm”

Ephesians 6:13-18 (ESV) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…

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Kudos to Dan Cathy, President of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain for standing firm in his faith and speaking the truth of God’s Word from his heart.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that … I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. – Phil 1:27

And the opponents of Biblical Christian values came out swinging against Chick-fil-A.  Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno stated publically “Because of this man’s ignorance, I will deny Chick-fil-A a permit to open a restaurant in my ward”. Further east, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino sent a letter to Mr. Cathy stating that there was “no place” for Chick-fil-A in the city.

In this land of free speech, how is it that only viewpoints that align with current politically correct norms are allowed and all else is considered hate speech and to be censored?  Have you noticed how intolerant the tolerant are?  Thank God that both Moreno and Menino’s threats are still illegal in this country.

There is fear in corporate boardrooms and in political party circles today.  This fear is even found in some church denominations and it stems from the religion of the bottom line.  Everyone fearfully walks on eggshells, skirting issues, refusing to take a stand, all the while being careful not to offend anyone that can adversely affect profit, position, and power.  Jesus taught that we are slaves to whatever has mastered us and far too many have taken on the yoke of slavery to preserve the bottom line no matter the compromise of values.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. – Gal 5:1

Will you stand firm in your faith when the opportunity arises?  Is there enough evidence in your place of work to convict you of being a Christian?  If people bash a gay coworker, do you join in or defend the fact that God loves us all and we are all sinners before Him?

In an election, will you vote for the candidate that you believe will improve your bottom line or will you take a stand and vote for the candidate that will uphold your Christian values?

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught … – 2 Thess 2:15

May the Holy Spirit give you the spiritual backbone to stand firm, equipped with the full armor of God.  It is only when we stand firm and stand with one another that we can defend our values and our right to express them and live them out in our daily lives.

With respect to Mr. Cathy and other men and women like him:

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith … Give recognition to such men. – 1 Cor 16:13