'STAND YOUR GROUND'

This controversial law has been in the news of late, especially since the killing of a teenager in the state of Florida. There are pros for and nays against this law probably because of the abuse of it in some instances. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia defines the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law as follows: “A stand-your-ground law is a type of self-defense law that gives individuals the right to use deadly force to defend themselves without any requirement to evade or retreat from a dangerous situation. It is law in certain jurisdictions within the United States. The basis may lie in either statutory law or common law precedents or both.” “Forty-six states in the United States have adopted the castle doctrine, that a person has no duty to retreat whatsoever when their home is attacked. Twenty-two states go a step further, removing the duty of retreat from other locations outside the home. Such "stand your ground", "Line in the Sand" or "No Duty to Retreat" laws thus state that a person has no duty or other requirement to abandon a place in which he has a right to be, or to give up ground to an assailant. Under such laws, there is no duty to retreat from anywhere the defender may legally be.”

Would you be surprised to learn that the Lord Jesus Christ requires every Christian to “Stand Your Ground” when threatened by a certain enemy and his devices? In fact, the expression, “stand your ground” is in the Bible. Please read this passage of Scripture found in the writings of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10-14: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm…” (NIV).

It is without controversy that the battle line in our country is becoming more and more evident between believers in God and His Holy Word regarding what is right and what is wrong; what is pure, holy and sacred and that which is carnal, worldly and sinful. There is a vast difference between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. The Savior Jesus Christ is the Captain of our salvation who leads His army of defenders of truth and righteousness. Satan, the father of lies and the deceiver of mankind is the ruler over the opposing army composed of those who would destroy man’s faith in God and His Word.

The forces of evil propagate the doctrine that men can marry men and women can marry women. That it is fine for unmarried couples to live together in a sexual relationship. Also, the life of an unborn child can be ‘legally’ aborted. That it is acceptable to believe there are many ways to travel religiously even in the belief of a multiplicity of ‘saviors and gods’. Or, there is no proof that God Almighty exist. The devil has influenced society to believe that there is no objective truth and one cannot be sure of anything except that which pleases self, etc.

Soldiers of Christ must remember that the armor of God provides no protection for one in retreating from the battle with the forces of evil. Therefore, we must stand our ground. The only offensive weapon that we have is “the sword of the Spirit” which is the “word of God”. Christians remember the words of the apostle Paul as found in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”

May we take courage in the lyrics of an ancient hymn that was written by the Reformer, Martin Luther when he bravely fought against the evil and corruption of his day.

A MIGHTY FORTRESS

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and pow’r are great,

And armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide Our striving would be losing;

Were not the right One on our side The Man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth is His name,

From age to age the same, And He must win the battle.

And tho’ this world with evil filled, Should threaten to undo us

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.

Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill:

God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.