Stand Up To Stand Out
People didn’t want to look foolish in front of others.
Reference: “Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.” Psalm 17:4 NIV
Explore: Are you the type of person who likes to stand out? Or would you rather blend into the crowd?
I recently read a study that looked into people’s greatest fears. Above all other fears, public speaking came out on top. People didn’t want to look foolish in front of others.
I guess it’s ok to stand out for something good, but when it will bring judgment from others then we’d rather just blend in.
Application: Sometimes we need to stand out against the norm. While the popular group look to be going right, there are times we need to move left. Not just to stand out or be known, but to hold true to what we believe.
You wouldn’t be the first one who has made such a stand. People all throughout the Bible had to stand up against the norm because of their faith. Even when the most religious seemed to be doing one thing, they stayed true to their personal experience of God.
These are the times you may feel targeted and unpopular – just like the Psalmist in Psalm 17 – but that’s when we look to God for strength and perseverance.
Prayer: Lord, help me to have greater discernment and courage in standing up for You. Amen.
When have you had to stand out from the crowd?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.