Taking a stand requires faithfulness, but sometimes a little creativity and ingenuity can help. As their long, flowing robes glistened in the light, highlighted by the brilliant flashes of a thousand camera bulbs, the 92 graduates walked down the aisles to the front of the massive auditorium. Although these graduates attended a Christian college, there would be no prayer during their commencement exercises due to a high court ruling.
The politically-correct ceremony plodded forward, with everyone painstakingly avoiding any acknowledgement of God or Jesus. But one graduate’s response brought deafening applause and a standing ovation from the crowd.
The graduate stood in front of the podium and silently scanned the audience. One by one, the other graduates rose to their feet. Then, as if on cue, they sneezed in unison. The graduate standing on the platform said, “God bless you!” and returned to his seat. God had found His way into the ceremony, and the audience’s response proved He was a welcome Guest.
Our politically-correct society may remove God from our public institutions. It may remove Him from our workplaces. It may remove Him from our government and currency. But society cannot remove God from our hearts without our consent. If we are faithful to the Lord, the world will take notice. If we lack faithfulness, then we have nothing else.
To be an effective witness for Jesus Christ, you do not need to bring a microphone to your restaurant table so others can overhear you pray for your meal. You need not memorize and quote the definition of “faithfulness” in Greek. God simply wants you to be faithful to Him: Serve Him. Unconditionally love others. Tell others about Him — and be creative in your methods. Refuse to compromise your Biblical convictions. Defy the culture around you. Will you stand up for God today?
Devotional by Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr.