Stand Up for What You Believe

With election season in full swing, I recently received a text requesting my support for a candidate. Just like you, I receive solicitations through texts, and lots of other sources as well, about all kinds of things. Often, it’s irritating and I delete and/or block the number. To no avail. They keep coming. This particular text was from a celebrity. Well, the text was in his name at least. With a picture and everything (I’m pretty sure it wasn’t his personal cell number). An obvious endorsement. As it happens, I like this particular celebrity. Which I guess is the point, right?

As a candidate, it helps to have someone everyone likes speak on your behalf and persuade folks like you and me. I’m afraid at times that we may not even consider the candidate, their position, or the issue, just the spokesperson. Now that seems like a good thing to discuss. What motivates us to vote? Or even, should we vote? As Christians what’s our obligation? Believe me I have thoughts on that issue. However, for now, there’s something else that strikes me about this particular text aside from the political and civil issues.

It occurs to me that this celebrity is risking quite a bit by attaching his name to this kind of communication. By the way, I wasn’t only being asked to support the represented candidate by voting, but they wanted me to contribute to his campaign too! A double whammy. What’s at risk for this celebrity spokesperson? To some degree his celebrity, his popularity itself.

As I said, I like this celebrity. However, I don’t happen to agree with this candidate’s position on issues that are important to me. So, if the use of a liked celebrity can be used to garner support for the candidate, isn’t the opposite true as well? I mean, if I don’t like the candidate, won’t that impact how I feel about the celebrity? In fact, when I read the text, that’s exactly what happened. My opinion of the candidate didn’t change but I like the celebrity just a little less. I don’t think I’m unusual in this regard. I’d guess, in fact, that my response was tepid compared to how others might react. Multiply these reactions by tens, hundreds, or even thousands of times. He’s at risk.

I have to admire the willingness of this celebrity to put himself out there like that. To take a risk and stand for what he believes in and who he supports. Yes, even if I don’t agree. What strikes me though is whether we, as Christians, are willing to do the same thing regarding our faith. Do we put ourselves out there as much as we should? Or at all?

Now I’m not suggesting that we get in people’s faces.  We should never be disrespectful or harsh when we talk about our faith (1 Pet 3:15). We aren’t called to argue either. Paul teaches “a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone.” (2 Tim 2:24) However, these requirements, to be gentle, respectful, kind, and not quarrelsome, are not an excuse to stay silent about Jesus. After all, we wouldn’t need these instructions if there wasn’t a clear expectation that we should be sharing our faith. Even if it might cause some uncomfortable situations.

When we know Jesus, and understand who He is and what God has done for us, we should want to tell others about Him. It is simple really. Paul puts it this way, “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.” (2 Cor 5:11) Why is it so hard for us? Are we afraid? Do we think we might offend someone? Could people get upset with us? The reality is that all of these could happen. Probably will. But none are a reason to say silent.

You’ll probably see and hear a lot of political pitches over the next few weeks. If they motivate you to participate in the political process, that’s great! More important though is taking the opportunity to stand up for Jesus. Share your faith, in a gentle and respectful way of course, during election season and whenever we have opportunity.

That’s the challenge friends. Stand up for what you believe and keep spreading the Good News of Jesus.

Dave Foucar has a passion for teaching God’s word. His first book, “What Do I Say When Asked About Jesus?” provides a layman’s perspective on personal evangelism and the basics of the Christian faith. Dave has been married for thirty-six years to the love of his life, Debbie. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. Follow Dave on Substack.

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