Stand. Speak. Serve.

I love the simplicity of God's Word. Many times, we make life a lot more difficult than what it needs to be. Our actions can turn a minor issue into a major challenge. The Bible is our guide on how we are to live our lives. But for some reason, we all feel like our way is so much better. Of the many things God encourages us to do, we can simplify them into three basic categories: stand, speak and serve.

Throughout the Bible we are told to stand firm in our faith. 1 Corinthians 16:13 tells us to Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. In several of his letters, Paul refers to standing firm. But what does that mean? For some, it could mean standing up for our beliefs. For others, it is persevering through trials and tribulations. Standing firm in our faith is also important when the world tempts us to satisfy the flesh instead of the Spirit.

God also encourages us how and when to speak. Too many times, we stay quiet because of uncertainty and/or embarrassment. Even though we are prompted by God, we often fall silent feeling like we know best. Speaking from personal experience, I can honestly share both the conviction I felt for not following God's will and the fulfillment when I stood firm in my faith and spoke His truth. In the Book of Matthew (10:19-20), Jesus assures us He will be with us when we are speaking His truth, But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

And finally, we are to serve. Today's humanism society focuses on self-service; that the world is supposed to revolve around us and we should be at the center of our existence. Nothing could be further from biblical truth. Jesus tells us in Mark (10:45) that even the Son of Man did not come (to earth) to be served, but to serve. Each of us were given certain gifts. Gifts which to serve.

Has life become too confusing? Are you staring to feel overwhelmed from expectation? If so, let me share with you simple, biblical truth: stand, speak and serve...

Pastor Aaron