Stand Tall

Standing tall is not easy, especially when it can cost you something. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he urges him to stand tall and be courageous in the face of opposition. Timothy was pastoring in Ephesus; it was a tough assignment. There were strong personalities there that opposed his leadership. He was not Paul with an iron will and lion personality. Timothy was timid and reserved but loved God. Paul never belittled Timothy, nor did he try to convince him to change his personality. He accepted him as he was. However, the apostle encouraged Timothy not to be fearful, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim 1:7).

Paul’s example of standing tall is seen in his description of himself as “his prisoner” – that is, the Lord’s prisoner!’ He was in Rome in Caesar’s dungeon, but he saw himself as Christ’s prisoner. So when he told Timothy to stand tall, Timothy did it.

There are many places we need to stand tall and be unashamed of our faith in Christ regardless of what people think of us. Consider how powerful your testimony is at work when you give your employer an honest day’s work and refuse to be lazy or dishonest. Consider how much your light shines when you share your own story of Christ’s transformative power to change your life with others. You stand tall when you refuse to walk on by the person who needs your help. Still yet, standing tall in our home with the people who know us best may be the most difficult of all.

I believe the area that gives us the greatest credibility is our authenticity in our home. Does our attitude reflect a servant’s heart? Are we growing and maturing? How do we treat those we love? Are we willing to acknowledge our own inadequacies? If we are not—then we are only fooling ourselves. If we are God’s servants, he will help us, and those who love us will respect us. The Gospel has the greatest impact when it is lived out. He who stands tall in the world first stands tall in his own home!

If you really want to grow and mature as a faithful follower of Christ, then examine your life. What faults and weaknesses do you refuse to acknowledge? What outrageous behavior do you justify with flimsy excuses? Once you have signaled out your areas that need the most work—own them without deflecting blame to anyone else. Then ask God to give you the insight to deal with your faults. Having done this is only the beginning, but it is a step in the right direction. No matter how great your testimony outside your home is, it is empty and invalid if it does not have your family’s endorsement.

(Parenting with a Long View)  https://boydbrooks.com/