Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

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Standing in the Light – Four Considerations for Defending the Faith

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While Driving this morning, I had a chance to listen to an Apologetics 315 podcast featuring an interview with Peter Kreeft. If you have not subscribed to the Apologetics 315 podcasts, I strongly suggest that you do so if you have any interest in Christian apologetics. Brian Auten does an outstanding job of interviewing apologists in a way that is informative yet avoids technical jargon.

In this particular episode, Peter said something which struck me. He was answering a question about what to do when interacting with someone who is asking questions intended to put off the apologist. In other words, what do you do when someone really isn’t interested in considering the claims of Jesus Christ.

Kreeft’s response was that in being a witness to Jesus Christ, we are not called to win arguments. We are called to “stand in the light.” In other words, we should not be focused on backing the non-believer into a philosophical corner, but should be seeking to be a testimony to the active work of God in our lives.

Shortly after hearing this phrase, I turned off the podcast to think about this phrase for a while. Four aspects of standing in the light came to me.

  • Jesus, in Matthew 5:14-16 tells us that believers are the light of the world. This light is not self-generated, but is the glory of God shining through us as we submit to him. If I am not shining with God’s light, it is because I am dulling the brightness through my own self-will. As I surrender to God and am conformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:1-2) then I will shine with God’s light.
  • We are to stand in the light. Thirteen times in the ESV, the phrase “stand firm” is used. For example, at the end of Paul’s list of the spiritual armor, he tells us in Ephesians 6:13 that the purpose of taking up the armor is so that we might be able to take our stand or stand firm. We are not to give ground.
  • To stand in the light, we are not to run ahead or lag behind the light. In other words, we are to be at a place in our walk with Jesus that we are sensitive to where he is leading. Remember what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (ESV) Paul did not try to produce growth when his responsibility was only to plant.  Be sensitive to the role that God is giving you to play and then do it.
  • To stand firm implies good footing. This reminds me that Bible reading and reflection are necessary to be a good witness to the claims of Christ. Wrestling with our own doubts and lack of knowledge are also critical to being used by God in the lives of others. If I understand who I am before God and what God has done for me, then I will not get dismayed when the person I am speaking with resorts to argument and ridicule.

I’m sure there are more aspects to this. Would you care to add any in the comment section below?

No Running

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No RunningIn the English Standard Version of the Bible, at least nine times we are told to “stand firm.” The implication is that there is battle to be enjoined and there should be no thought of running. The metaphor makes sense, to stand firm in a battle in Biblical times would make the difference between life and death. The soldier’s weapons only protect him when he is facing the enemy. To turn his back would be suicide.

In 21st Century America, it is right for Christians to reach out to the increasingly larger unbelieving segment of the population. However, to do so, there is temptation to accommodate the teaching of the church to popular wisdom to broaden the church’s appeal. There is pressure to run from what are seen as controversial or antiquated teachings of Christianity. This we cannot do, we must stand firm on the clear teaching of Scripture regardless of the pressure brought to bear by the culture at large.

When things get difficult I am tempted to run. When trouble comes, I want to question whether I am following God’s will. When it’s hard, I am tempted to find a smoother road. It is easier to run somewhere else than to stand on conviction and face the consequences.

I am tempted to run when criticism comes my way. I am likely to run away from my sense of what is right and best, in order to keep people happy. Yet, the best course of action is to stand firm in my conviction while being open to hearing from God.

The statements and commands regarding standing firm are evidence to me that I am not alone in this struggle. So for the benefit of all of us who are tempted to run, here are some of the times we are told to stand firm in the New Testament:

  • 1 Corinthians 16:13– Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong
  • Galatians 5:1– For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore . . .
  • Ephesians 6:13– Therefore take up the whole armor of God . . . . to stand firm
  • Philippians 4:1– stand firm thus in the Lord
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:15– stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught by us
  • 1 Peter 5:12 – Stand firm in [the true grace of God’]

My job is to stand, even when it is scary or difficult to do so. Based on these Scriptures, I believe that running is not an option.

Fortunately, there are two things on which I can rely as I seek to stand firm. The first is the Holy Spirit who is given to us to provide wisdom and strength. The second is Scripture which provides guidance and certainty as to God’s revealed will.

With these two sources of certainty, I can aspire to emulate Martin Luther when he said:

I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen

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