Where Do You Stand?
There are various places to “stand” and many ways to do so in this old earth on which we live. This has been noticed by folks over the years and several “inspirational sayings” have been written regarding “standing”. One of the most recognized is: “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for something (anything)”. As I considered this article, I came across some “proverbs” written by men that will definitely make one consider whether or not they are standing where they should. A few I found interesting are: One foot cannot stand on two boats – Chinese proverb. Do not stand in a place of danger trusting in miracles – Saudi Arabian proverb. And, Where the cattle stand together, the lion lies down hungry – African proverb.
While these are interesting and show “common sense”, God also has said some things about “standing” and about where one stands In His Word that bears remembering. We can read of the benefit of “standing” where you should In Proverbs 12:7. This verse also indicates what will happen if we don’t follow God. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. We should strive to be righteous.
The Spirit had the Psalmist write of the “state” in which we are to stand if we desire to be righteous. In Psalm 4:4 we read: “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.” Then this is repeated in Psalm 33:8, but the instruction there is directed to everyone. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
In 1Corinthians 2:4-5 we see the apostle Paul preached in Corinth to tell them (and us) where our faith is to stand. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
When Jesus was on earth, He taught in Matthew 7:24-25, about those wise enough to build their house on a rock and the benefit of so doing. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
In 1973 J. Harold Lane wrote a hymn about this very thing. The words of song are catchy, surprisingly biblical, and have been sung by many folks in the years since it was written. The lyrics of “Standing On The Solid Rock” are printed here.
Through my disappointments
Strife and discontentment
I cast my every care upon the Lord
No matter what obsession
Pain or deep depression
I'm standing on the solid rock
Chorus:
I'm standing on the solid rock of ages
Safe from all the storm that rages
Rich but not from Satan's wages
I'm standing on the solid rock
Now I'm pressing onward
Each step leads me homeward
I'm trusting in my Savior, day by day
And close is our relation
Firm is its foundation
So on this solid rock I'll stay
Repeat Chorus
Even though He's gone now
I don't feel alone now
With comfort came the Spirit of the Lord
Now with His Word to guide me
From temptations hide me
I'm standing on the solid rock
Repeat Chorus
Let me ask the question with which I began this article. Where do you stand? Do you “stand” on tradition, feelings, emotions, or the teaching of man? Now let me ask you another? How “firm” is your footing there?
The Spirit had Paul write in 1Thessalonians 3:8: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. Other N.T. passages also direct us where to stand. Galatians 5:1 reads: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Why not make sure you are on the only foundation that is sure. We read in 1Corinthians 3:11 where that is. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Obey the gospel today, remain faithful, then stay on that “rock” until the reward is given.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
