Stand up for Righteousness

1 Peter 3:13-17 says, “13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

Without criticism or judgement, nor, discrimination or cynicism; Christianity needs some backbone. What I mean is that Christians need to be more prevalent in representing righteousness in our age in which we live. I have seen a noticeable silence from the religious factions in America as time passes by and wonder, “Why are we silent? Why are we doing nothing”?
It seems that Satan and the evils that are at work in this world have come up with a plan to silence the Christian crowd by implying that, “Christians are judgmental”, or “The Church is prejudice”. Look at all the adverse movements within the last fifty years that have emerged and used these tactics to neutralize the Christian conviction. The gay and lesbian movement says that Christians are intolerant. Pro-abortionist claim that Christianity looks to steal the rights of women. Evolutionists contend that Church is close minded and intolerant. These and many more organizations and groups have portrayed the Christian view of godliness and righteousness in a very poor light. What is ironic is that it is not our views and standards that are on trial, but the standards of God’s word.
Edmund Burke penned the phrase, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. Evil and unrighteousness will run rampant unless God’s people develop a sense of urgency to counter its advancement. This is the world that God has given us to promote His will and kingdom for all to benefit and enjoy. This includes you and me; your children and mine; our grand-children; our relatives, neighbors and friends. Should we sit by and allow the devil and his agenda to come to pass in light of our silence and the lack of action?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once said, “We should all do something to right the wrongs that we see and not just complain about them”. 1 Peter 3 instructs us not to be intimidated or afraid of opposition, but to be prepared to answer in godliness and reverence. This doesn’t mean to be timid or submissive; instead, we should be like Jesus. He was bold, courageous and authoritative when dealing with the devil, demons, and people that stood as opposition.
In addition, it is vital to remember that how we answer is as important as it is to answer. In verse 16, it states that we should answer in a manner that will not discredit our faith or the relationship we have with Christ. We should always maintain our integrity in Christ in that our words or actions are something that would never shame our Savior or His Word. In essence, show the person of Jesus before all humanity without allowing the influence of the world to pull us into behaving badly.
Finally, know that what you say and do to stand for holiness and righteousness may cost something. People may call us names, or label us to place us in a poor light. Just remember that in the long term, it is the right thing desired by God. Verse 17 says, “For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing what is good than for doing evil.” Personally, there is no long term benefit to please people. I would much prefer to please God and reap his benefits than anything the world could ever offer me.