Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen {Acts 8:1}.
There are people who believe they can play a passive role in life's issues and still remain true to the principles of Christ's teachings. They try to keep the faith, no matter how weak it may be. They think the fact that they don't want to become involved in something safeguards them from the responsibility of identifying themselves with Jesus' statement, "Whoever is not for Me, is against Me."
We read in Acts that Stephen was stoned to death because of his faith in Jesus Christ. Saul was a spectator - looking after the clothes of Stephen's murderers. Specifically through this act of not getting involved, Saul sided with the group that was stoning Stephen.
As a Christian you will often find yourself in situations where you are called on to identify with, or distance yourself from, a given set of circumstances. No one who is a sincere ans true disciple of the Living Christ can be a spectator and keep himself from making a stand for Christ.
When that which is right is at stake, you must stand up and be counted for Christ, otherwise you are denying Him. Give yourself to God under all circumstances and the power of His Holy Spirit will enable you and give you the courage to live up to your Christian convictions.
Savior and Lord, grant that I will never lack the courage to make a stand for that which is right and for the glory of Your name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment