As followers of Jesus, we must always stand for truth. We must embrace it, defend it, and campaign for it. Jesus said that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). As imitators of Christ, we must exemplify Him as far as we are able in our humanness (Ephesians 5:1–2). One of the simplest ways we can do that is to stand for truth no matter what it costs us.
We must never stand by and let a lie be told as truth. This is difficult in our culture today. As sin continues to grow ever more acceptable in society, we have no choice but to stand in opposition to the lies. Truth is no longer popular, but it has never been more necessary.
Standing for the truth of Christ can be dangerous. This year has seen a tragic increase in the number of Christians murdered in countries like Nigeria. To stand for truth in places like North Korea, China, and Afghanistan means lifetime imprisonment or death. Even in places like England, standing for what the Bible teaches can land you in jail for a supposed “hate crime.”
Jesus never promised this would be easy. Enduring the cross was not easy for Jesus, but He considered it worth it so we might live (Hebrews 12:1-2). How can we consider any sacrifice that we might make to be any less worth it? Our suffering pales in comparison to what He did for us (Romans 8:18).
We must stand for truth because we stand for Jesus. We are His ambassadors in a dark and dying world (2 Corinthians 5:20). It is we who must shine the light of Christ into the darkness of sin and depravity (Philippians 2:14-15). We can’t shine the light if we’re busy hiding it (Matthew 5:14–16). To capitulate to cultural whims is to deny the Lord and Savior we serve. He calls us to be different, so different we must be (Romans 12:2).
When the world shouts that wrong is right and insists on exchanging truth for lies, we must stand for truth (Romans 1:25). There can be no compromise in the life of a true follower of Jesus. Not once did Jesus compromise to accommodate sin, and not once did He let error slide in order to avoid conflict. Our Lord is a bold lion, never afraid to say what is unpopular in defense of God’s truth (John 18:37). He is our example.
How can we turn a blind eye to blatant lies when we know they are an affront to God (Proverbs 17:15)? The Bible is clear in defining what is wrong and what is right (Isaiah 5:20). It does not equivocate to bring a false peace or an unwise tolerance. God’s Word is our standard for truth, and we must stand firm on it (John 17:17).
It’s easy to let conversation among friends and families slide in the name of keeping the peace and not being argumentative. But I don’t think this is how disciples of Jesus should act. He is our Lord, and we are responsible for what we hear, say, think, and do (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). In everything, we are to be like Christ (Philippians 2:5).
That means we will stand for truth in every instance. We will not back down from speaking the truth even when it might cost us a friendship or lead to physical harm. It is our obligation to stand for truth no matter what. Don’t be timid or shy because you have the Holy Spirit of Christ in you (Romans 8:9). Be bold (Acts 4:29), be loving (Ephesians 4:15), and above all, stand for truth.