Stand Your Ground

Stand Your Ground

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

When it comes to sports, I’m not sure there’s anything more unnatural than taking a charge in basketball. It’s been years since I played basketball competitively, but I still vividly remember the drills during my freshman year at the University of Minnesota as the coach tried to prepare us to take a charge.

For those who don’t know what it means to take a charge, it’s simple: If an offensive player runs over a defender who has established his position on the court, a foul is called on the offensive player. A defender establishes his position by having his feet set and not moving prior to impact.

In other words, you have to stand still and allow yourself to get run over by another player who is running full speed at you.

That’s not normal. Flinching is normal. Moving aside is normal. Covering up is normal.

I think that’s why the crowd cheers so excitedly when someone takes a charge, because they recognize how courageous it is to stand still . . . and firm.

God calls us to stand firm in His Word and in the life He wants us to live. No flinching. No moving aside. No finding a path that’s safer.

That’s easier said than done, because life will run us over at times. When other people aren’t living by the same rules we are, we might be unpopular, scoffed at, or not taken seriously. And oftentimes it hurts. The same is true for our children as they try to stand firm in a world that wants them to conform.

Be there for your family and friends as they establish their positions. Help to soften the blow when others run them over with criticism or peer pressure. Draw upon God’s strength—He promises a never-ending supply.

Uncommon Key > Stand firm today as life comes flying at you, asking you to conform. Stand your ground. Stand with God and in His Word.