Today’s Reading, Proverbs 30-31
Focal Scripture: Proverbs 31:8 “Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.”
Standing up for what you believe in is a positive character trait to have in your life. Standing up for those who have no voice is even more important. This truth applies to several areas in the life of a believer. It applies to babies in the womb. It applies to those suffering in other places. It applies to the poor and downtrodden. It even applies to those who have mental or psychological problems. It even goes as far as speaking up for those who are being bullied and abused.
In the focal verse today we see that standing up for the ones who have no voice is a wise life path. It is given not just as a suggestion but as a command. As believers we have to be the voice for those who have no voice. We must stand up for truth regardless of political opinions or leanings. Far too often believers are ruled by politics before they are ruled by Christ. Believers are expected to stand up for the unborn. Believers are also expected to minister to those who are in our country whether they are here legally or illegally. That should make you uncomfortable depending on what side of the political aisle you stand. Our belief system creates tension because it’s not about us or our opinions. It is about Christ and his life changing message.
So the challenge I have for you today is to leave your politics out of your advocacy. The Bible teaches us that the Lord formed us and knew us in the womb. This means that every life is special and important at the moment of conception. They must be protected and abortion should be rooted out.
The Bible also teaches us that people should be loved and treated well. They should be shown mercy and grace. So when the foreigner comes here illegally they will have to answer to the authorities for their crime but while they are here our job as believers is to love them and give them Jesus. We are not the lawmakers or the law enforcers. We are advocates for Christ. You can disagree with them being here but you can’t ignore them while they are here.
We can’t just be voices for the issues we like and agree with in our lives. If it is biblical to do something it must take the priority over politics. Our opinions cause problems when we don’t make scripture our guide. Remember we are told to love the Lord our God with all that we have, then we are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are even commanded to love our enemies and to treat them well.
Be a voice for all those who need help, even when it makes you uncomfortable.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Ecclesiastes 1-4
