Acts 4:1-22
At a well-known company’s national sales convention, a heralded speaker delivered a stirring motivational talk. However, he punctuated his speech with profanity and frequently used God’s name in vain. Finally, a Christian salesman in the audience couldn’t stand it any longer. He rose from his seat, stood on his chair and shouted, “Please leave God out of it.” With that he sat down. The embarrassed speaker cleaned up the rest of his speech. But after the session more people waited in line to shake the hand of the Christian man than that of the speaker.
In your own experience, don’t you find this to be true? In the face of an uncomfortable situation, many people are thinking the same thing. It’s a safe bet that dozens of people in the crowd that day listening to the speaker were squirming in their seats as the profanity rained down. But it took one man to make the stand and speak up, leaving others to wish they would have done the same.
The leaders of the infant church displayed even greater courage than this outspoken salesman. In the face of powerful, influential and educated men, these “ordinary” men stood toe to toe with political and religious forces that sought to silence them. They didn’t cower, give in or give up. Instead, they stood bold and heroic, astonishing their adversaries, who knew only that these men had been with Jesus.
Living a life that pleases God isn’t always easy or popular. Speaking valiantly for Christ and courageously living a righteous life require living out our convictions and commitments as faithful men. Standing tall for what’s right, despite the foe or odds, exacts a high price. In fact, we face war. We can prepare for the battle only by spending time with Jesus—the unshakeable source of courage.
In your life there will be opportunities to speak up and defend what you know to be true. When the next challenge arises, remember that salesman standing on his chair. Resolve today that you will not be like one of those who were content to sit squirming in their seats.
Who do you know that courageously lives a righteous life?
