Standing Up
Throughout my life I have had a pretty easy-going nature. I am unusually polite, courteous and rarely get into conflict. Whilst I don't have lots of friends, I feel I generally get on well with others, and have very few people whom actively dislike me.
However, sometimes my passive demeanour leads people to assume they are able to influence me. I personally find conflict difficult, but have learned it is sometimes OK to be forceful—as long as this is done with integrity.
Don't give in to aggression
Sometimes conflict is inevitable—it is a natural occurrence when two parties have different beliefs but both insist theirs is true. In this way, being a Christian is a natural source of conflict because we believe something many others don't.
When we read that infuriating email, or hear of who said what, it is easy to give in to anger. Yet in all things we should show love and compassion, and we should let ourselves settle down until we are able to do this.
Don't give in just because it is easy
Backing down is often the easy choice, but if it is important it isn't an option. For the persecuted church giving in would be easy. Yet, we only have the knowledge of Christ today because others refused to budge. The truth doesn't change, and neither should our support of it. This applies to all truth.
Standing your ground sets a precedent
Showing you will not be moved on something important to you sets a precedent and demonstrates your faith. Standing up for what is right makes it easier the next time, as people already know how far you are willing to go for your beliefs.
Standing up for what is right is also an amazing testament to the Christian faith. It shows we will not move from what we believe is the truth—and that we really believe Jesus is Christ.
Nathanael Yates is a Neuroscience Researcher from Perth, Western Australia. He is constantly inspired by his astonishingly wise and beautiful wife and his adorable daughter.
Nathanael Yates' previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/nathanael-yates.html