Stand

Steve once asked me why I love sunflowers so much.  My answers came swiftly and without deliberation.

“I love sunflowers because they are so bright.  They bloom and they give much beauty.  They don’t need much attention:  you basically plant the seed and every once in a while, water it.  They don’t require weeding or coddling.  They grow tall and firm without need of anything to support them.”

I went on.  “They just stand there, faces bowed to the sun.  The winds and rain beat against them and yet, they don’t falter.  Oh sure, they might sway a little but basically?  No matter what life throws at them, they stand.  And when their season is over, they still stand.  They still drop their seeds and feed the birds.  They bow in the presence of the sun when it shines on them.  They know their place and they know their duty.  They stand-- and they do it beautifully.”

As children of the Lord, that is our job too.  Paul tell us in Ephesians 6 that we are in a battle but it’s not against flesh and blood.  Oh that we could see this!  All the fights and skirmishes and misplaced aggression that could be eliminated.  All the hurt feelings that could be avoided.  All the lies that weren’t listened to.  All the joy that would not have been stolen.

Friends, we are not promised tomorrow.  We aren’t even promised our next breaths.  Do we really want to waste them on ugly words, on hateful actions, or on negative thoughts that take us down roads of bitterness?  Why not choose today to be a sunflower?  Think on the whatsoevers that are true, right, holy, honest, pure, and lovely.  Stand, basking in the Son, heads held high when the storms of life rage.  Bear seeds that will feed the birds of the air and the appetites of those who are specially endowed with the taste of sunflower seeds.  Rely on Christ to nourish you, to sustain you, and to keep you upright.

You are the light of the world.  Rise like the sunflowers and shine.  Stand with your face toward the Son.  He’s there for you.  Be there for Him!

Stand

What does it mean to stand and why are we commanded to do so--not just once, but several times in the scriptures?  According to Merriam-Webster, stand means “to be in or take an upright position on the feet,” as well as “to rest, remain, or set in a usually vertical position.”  It also means “an attitude toward a particular issue; a position taken in an argument.”  It is used 277 times in the King James Bible so it must be a pretty special word, huh?

I’m sure many of you have noticed the Colin Kaepernick escapade going on, where this football player has made a stance by not standing up for the National Anthem.  That’s his right and no, I don’t agree with it either.  However, when one has a strong conviction over an issue, this is what has been taught to us to do for years.  “Stand up for what is right, for what you believe in!”  Ever heard those words, friends?

Remember the whole armor of God commands about the weapons and protections we are to carry with us at all times?  When you read the last part in Ephesians 6:13, it says “having done all, to stand.”  

My question then to us all--including Colin--is did we do the first part of the verse first?  Did we “take... the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day” or did we just decide what we thought was the best thing to do?  Let me rephrase this:  was the battle one of spiritual proportions and if yes, did we seek God’s counsel first?  Did we suit up with our helmets of salvations, swords of truth, and most importantly, did we have our feet ready for the preparation of peace?  Sigh.  We tend to forget that the outcome is what matters, don’t we?  If our fights--whether they be about policies, carpet color, social issues, or who is right--are to be won, then shouldn’t the expected result be one that is a peaceful one?  Instead of stirring up more strife and division, ought we not to seek a peaceful resolution?  

Today as you examine yourselves--as we examine ourselves--let’s take a few moments and consider if the things we are fighting for and fighting about are things we really want to change or if instead we are just wanting some attention and being tools used for harm instead of for good.  Some things just aren’t worth the hassle, are they?  Some things we need to let go of.  Some things we just need to sit down and be quiet about.