Stand Up and Let Your Voice Be Heard
Our culture is becoming increasingly more of being followers rather than innovative and creative thinkers. America was once thought of as that shining city on a hill. People from around the world looked up to us because we appeared to have figured it all out. Even though it is said that perception is everything, much of our image was never based upon the truth. However, as long as people thought highly of us it was to our advantage.
You might wonder how could our nation fall from being the image of a shining city on a hill down to an all-exclusive “members-only-good-old boys-club?” America has always been a great idea yet to manifest. As long as her radiance was still shining ahead of us we had something to reach for. Even the people on the bottom of the totem pole had something that they could aspire to achieve while knowing full well that the cards were stacked heavily against them.
This might not be God’s country yet but if we don’t give up on her we can certainly make it that way. There is no better time than the present to turn this dream into a reality. Now is time for all of God’s children to stand up and let their voices be heard. The enemy has had the podium for far too long and you see the job they have done with our nation. Finally, we can become one nation under God with liberty and justice for all people alike if we only put God at the head of our table.
Appearance is one thing but the reality is not subject to what someone perceives or thinks. It hits you squarely in the face and says, ‘deal with it!’ If you stand on the side of godly morals and common decency then let’s get to work and fix this place. If this is truly our house then let’s make a great home for everyone.
This introduction brings me to what I really wanted to discuss with my fellow citizens. Each of us carries the burden of personal responsibility. We are accountable to our Maker first and then to the society of which we live. Yes, we are Americans but there are other distinctions that more specifically identify who we really are. We could be a saint or a bigot. You could be one who proselytizes about how godly you are while disguising your wolf-like nature and masquerading as a sheep. Even though we think we might know someone… until they stand up and declare who they are and what they stand for, we have no idea who or what they really are. That is why it is important to stand up and let your voice be heard unless you are ashamed of how you really are.
Wouldn’t it be nice to know if you lived next door to someone that hated people of your kind? Knowing that in advance each party could elect to live somewhere else rather than a neighbor with someone antagonistic to them. In America, we believe in the freedom to be whatever you want to be as long as your stance does not infringe upon the rights of others. So let those who practice bigotry do their thing because by definition they do not respect the rights of others. Let them waddle in their own stench without interference from those who would rather love one another. Let them be bold and say who they are and what they stand for. They will get no resistance from God-fearing people. While they choose hate… we are free to love.
You might wonder why someone would prefer hate above love? Why would they intentionally cause harm knowing that it hurts others? Why keep others from prospering? Why wouldn’t everyone seek to help others who are in need? The answer is quite simple but things that are that simple tend to be ignored.
The reason why some people lovers and others are haters is that that is the spirit that indwells their bodies. If the Spirit of God is in a person they are compelled to love because it can be no other way. But if the spirit of the evil one is in them they are compelled to hate because it can be no other way. A good apple comes from a good tree while a bad apple comes from a bad tree. It can be no other way. The spirit that indwells dictates the manner in which people operate. So unless someone is ashamed of their nature let them boldly announce who they are and what they stand for. In this manner others can give them all the space they need to be who and what they are together. Stand up and identify yourself for the good of the pack!
So here is my suggestion, if you are for God and what He requires of His people don’t be afraid to say so. Although we are compelled to be humble by nature, we are not cowards. Do not take our kindness for weakness. Just as others have the right to be ugly, we have not only the right but also the obligation and commandment to love one another as God loves all His children. We know that if we are ashamed to be called a child of God then we really don’t belong to Him. So, boldly stand up and let others know who you are and what you stand for.
Why does the world appear to be going to hell in a handbasket? It is because when you look out into the landscape all you see are the ones that boldly show their allegiance to evil. They proselytize hate and fear. They utilize greed and corruption. They don’t mind if others suffer as long as they win. The squeaky wheel is the one that gets all the attention. In truth, there are more godly people that choose love over hate but the humble are usually silent. Therefore all you hear and see are the loud dogs barking making you think the world is full of their kind.
I can assure you that God is the Divine Creator of the world and He made it out of the substance of love. No matter how loud those dogs bark they cannot overshadow the love that is in God and the love He sowed into His world. So Children of Almighty God… STAND UP and let the world know that you are for God and He will shield you from those barking dogs.
Perhaps it appears that the tone of my voice is rather harsh. It is because the truth can be illuminating. Light has power over darkness. If you shine a light into the darkness, darkness will be overcome. Try shinning darkness into the light? God did not make it that way. He used darkness as a time of rest, not for hate. To be clear, God has had about enough of this madness we seem to be allowing to becoming our “new normal.” He said to His people a long time ago:
“If my people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Don’t you think it is about time to respond to that Clarion call? Could it not be clearer? Is this not the time? If not now… when? Are we waiting on things to get worse? Soon there will be nothing left to stand for if we allow the tilt to swing any further into darkness. As in the days of Noah, the Father will have no part of allowing us to destroy His creation. So stand up and let your voice ring out loudly and boldly that you stand for God. Let the world know that you are not ashamed to be called a child of the Most High God! Praise to the Father in the name of His Son, Christ Jesus. By the power of His Spirit, we will be heard from heaven. STAND UP and let your voice be heard… Selah!
