Stand Your Ground

Gò0dNews for Men

Stand Your Ground

by Kyle Blevins

Men, as leaders in our families, our businesses, churches, or other causes, are often charged with a generalized expectation to “stand firm.” I believe this expectation is a hopeful one where people need to have someone to rely on. Most men will stand up to this challenge, but even in doing so, I have known men in my life who take this to the extreme in both unhealthy, but also inspiring ways. Some have taken that to mean not “feeling” at all, while others have neglected themselves mentally and physically to set out what they aim to do. At the end of the day, that kind of standing firm does well to serve the hidden master of pride, but little to solidify the foundation which would actually carry us through. That is the foundation of faith.

As I think about different situations people might expect us to stand firm in, the only one that remains worth standing for is that of spiritual and moral excellence, of faith. If standing your ground doesn’t maintain a level of security, of spiritual well-being, or of a sharpened vision for that which you are leading, then not standing firm is not weakness—it is wisdom. I share that because I know some men who have tried to cling to every little opportunity that comes their way. If they don’t control in excellence all that finds its way to them, then they are less of a man. I pray today that lie is identified, spoken to, and cast out.

Now that we have filtered out what should really be stood for, you should feel renewed energy already about standing firm. Perhaps you have more in the tank than you realized as you focused on something more special. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” Even if you feel refreshed, this can still be quite the challenge. Unfortunately, even as strong men, we are very rewarddriven beings. Even as leaders, there must be some cause for us to fight for ourselves and others. This charge from

1 Corinthians 16:13 may need another “boost” and I believe Romans 5:3-5 can give us just that. It reminds us of all the rewards for fighting through the right thing. “We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

I pray that you are nourished in your spirit today, that you filter down where you wish your excellence to be, and that the Holy Spirit be with you in all you aim to do.

About The Author Kyle Blevins is a husband and a father of three boys. He enjoys connecting with the world through skateboarding and music. Apart from his day job, he is a freelance writer and aspiring author. You can follow his work at iamredirected.com.