By: Craig Rippy


What do you stand for? Really, think about it. Do you stand for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Do you stand for family, community, and friendship? Or, do you stand for political action, charity walks, and people's rights? Most folks don't know what they stand for, but are willing to make a stand periodically for something that seems good. Generally, family, friendship, and liberty are all spouted as good things that should be stood for. Yet, families are fragmented, friendships deteriorate when confrontation occurs between friends, and justice is diminished by the lack of morality.

It seems the problems we as individuals have when it comes to standing for something only grows exponentially when we look at the broader picture. We live in one community, in one county, in one state, of one country of the world. There is a broader picture.

The Islamic terrorists stand on the desire to eradicate Israel and any who stand for Israel. Much of Europe stands for socialism, while socialism has only disintegrated the resolve of such countries to combat terror and political corruption. Political corruption has become the norm all over the world, keeping unification for positive action at bay. Does it take a World War to unify nations to stand for something? World tension doesn't seem to promote unified effort.

World wide sexual immorality, greed, and power hungering has led nations to ruin. How many South American, Southeast Asian and African nations suffer from the like? The human slave trade market is vibrant, illegal drug trade is a 300 billion dollar a year business, Sexually Transmitted Diseases are rampant, and dictators suck up much of the foreign monies sent for the aid of their citizens.

China and other Asian countries abuse children. Much of what you buy is made by children who ought to be in grade school, but what stand has the international community made to free these children from such tyranny?

The "Traditional Family" is becoming non-existent globally. With Islamic polygamy, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, adultery, and abusiveness the Biblical framework of family is far from the norm. The U.S.A. is a melting pot of sexual freedom, having the appearance of tradition politically, but the entertainment media reveals the acceptance of the immoral values of our people.

Really, what do we stand for? What do you stand for? All history testifies that when God's people stood up to ethical degeneration war ensued. Whether it is a military action or a cultural uprising, war ensued. Usually, the war is between one's own moral conscience and the culture around them. "We the people" were led into rebellion against a nation we believed was corrupt. Remember these words, "The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States... We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

Due to the extent of the perversity, deception, and tyranny of the enemy should we not declare independence from despotism? Should we not stand in unity against the totalitarianism that keeps mankind in the bonds of suffering? Should we not stand for peace, morality, and the pursuit of happiness based on mutual respect?

Who do we stand for and what do we stand against? Ephesians 6:10-18, "10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (NIV)