Following Jesus is not just about what we believe internally—it is about how we live and what we stand for publicly.
We are not called to blend in.
We are called to be set apart.
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2 (CSB)
The world will always have shifting values.
But the follower of Jesus is anchored to something unchanging: the truth of God’s Word.
We Stand Because Truth Is Not Ours to Redefine
One of the biggest cultural pressures today is this idea:
“Truth is personal.”
“Truth is evolving.”
“Truth is whatever you feel.”
But Scripture is clear—truth is not created by culture.
“Your word is truth.” — John 17:17 (CSB)
This means:
- We don’t define good and evil
- We don’t adjust truth to fit culture
- We don’t stay silent when truth is being replaced
Whether the issue is abortion, sexuality, injustice, or exploitation—
our standard is not opinion…
It is God’s Word.
We Stand Because People Matter to God
This is critical:
Followers of Jesus do not stand against people.
We stand against what harms people.
- Abortion → involves the taking of innocent life
- Sex trafficking → exploits and destroys human dignity
- Drug abuse → enslaves and devastates lives
- Sexual sin → separates people from God’s design
Every one of these issues has one thing in common:
They break what God created to be whole.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…” — Isaiah 5:20 (CSB)
Standing for truth is not about being harsh—
it’s about refusing to celebrate what destroys people.
We Stand Because Silence Is Not Neutral
A common belief is:
“If I just stay quiet, I’m being loving.”
But biblically, silence in the face of evil is not love—it’s compromise.
“Speak up for those who have no voice…” — Proverbs 31:8 (CSB)
If we say nothing:
- The vulnerable remain unprotected
- The broken remain deceived
- The truth remains hidden
Jesus never avoided truth to keep people comfortable.
He spoke with both grace and authority.
We Stand With Both Truth AND Grace
This is where many get it wrong.
Some speak truth with no love.
Others show love with no truth.
Jesus did both.
“Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” — John 1:17 (CSB)
That means:
- We don’t compromise truth
- But we also don’t dehumanize people
- We don’t hate
- We don’t mock
- We don’t attack
We remember:
Every person is someone Jesus died for.
So we stand firmly—but we speak compassionately.
We Stand Because We Represent Jesus
As followers of Jesus, we are not just individuals—we are representatives.
“We are ambassadors for Christ…” — 2 Corinthians 5:20 (CSB)
An ambassador does not change the message.
He delivers it faithfully.
This means:
- We don’t adjust our stance based on popularity
- We don’t soften truth to avoid criticism
- We don’t follow culture—we follow Christ
We Stand Knowing We Will Be Misunderstood
Standing for biblical truth will cost you something.
You may be labeled:
- Judgmental
- Intolerant
- Outdated
But Jesus prepared us for this.
“If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you.” — John 15:18 (CSB)
The goal is not approval.
The goal is faithfulness.
We Stand With the Goal of Restoration
This is where your message is strongest.
We don’t stand just to oppose sin.
We stand to point people to restoration.
Because no matter the issue:
- There is forgiveness
- There is healing
- There is transformation
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)
That includes:
- The person who has had an abortion
- The person struggling with identity
- The person trapped in addiction
- The person caught in any sin
The message is not:
“You’re too far gone.”
The message is:
“Jesus restores.”
Final Thought
Followers of Jesus must stand—not out of anger, not out of pride, and not out of fear—
But out of obedience to God and love for people.
We do not stand because we think we are better.
We stand because we know what is true.
And we point people not just away from sin—
But toward a Savior who said:
“It is finished.”
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 