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Contend for What is Right

Writer's picture: Joel StallingsJoel Stallings

When we look at life through the "spiritual glasses" God has given us, we begin to see things not as far-off ideals but as realities that God has placed within reach. But if we’re not careful, we can end up looking through a distorted lens, seeing God’s promises as distant or irrelevant. Today, I want to encourage each of us to see through God’s eyes and to stand firm in what He’s shown us is right.



The Power of Seeing Through God’s Eyes


When we look at others—our families, our friends, our communities—we must see them as God sees them. It’s so easy to lose heart, especially if our loved ones haven’t yet come to know Christ. But we can’t stay silent or stand by. God calls us to bring people to Him, to contend for their souls. I don’t want any of my loved ones to perish without knowing the love and salvation of Jesus. And neither should you.


God reminds us in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This is why we must keep praying, keep sharing, and keep hoping. Every person is just one choice away from becoming the person God intended.



Modern-Day Idolatry: Fame and Fortune


In biblical times, people worshiped idols like Baal and Asherah, gods who promised wealth, fertility, and pleasure. Today, our idols might look different, but the heart of idolatry remains the same: putting anything above God. We live in a society that often places fame and fortune on a pedestal. But God’s Word is clear about priorities. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Fame and fortune are not meant to be our

pursuit; they’re the overflow when we seek God first.


When I married my wife, I inherited a family—people who love me and whom I love deeply. I didn’t seek out a big family; I sought my wife, and family came with it. In the same way, when we seek God wholeheartedly, blessings will follow naturally.



Worship in Spirit and Truth, Not in Seduction and Deceit


Today, we’re constantly bombarded with messages of beauty, success, and seduction. Advertisements use sexuality and materialism to sell products, shaping our desires and distorting our worship. But true worship is about surrender, humility, and faith. It’s about aligning our hearts with God’s truth and not letting the world’s version of success distract us. John 4:24 reminds us, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”


We can’t let worldly influences lead us into a watered-down faith. Let’s make sure we are worshiping the Creator, not created things. Let’s honor God with our whole hearts, seeking Him in truth.



Faith and Politics: Standing for What is Right


It’s essential that we don’t divide our faith and our responsibilities as citizens. God’s people are called to influence the world, not sit on the sidelines. Throughout the Bible, we see people of faith stepping into political roles and standing against ungodly leadership. Take Daniel, for example. He was a man of faith, yet he served in a foreign government, speaking truth and refusing to compromise his beliefs. Because of his steadfastness, God protected him—even when he was thrown into a lions’ den (Daniel 6:22).


Another example is Esther, who risked her life to stand before the king and advocate for her people. She was a woman of great faith, and God used her politically to save Israel. We are called to do the same: to stand for God’s truth, even when it’s unpopular or costly.


Christians cannot afford to ignore the impact of godly influence in government. Proverbs 29:2 tells us, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” It’s time for us to stand up, vote according to God’s Word, and ensure that we are a voice for what is right in our communities and our country.



The Foundation Matters


Our nation was founded on Christian principles, with a belief in God’s authority over all. As Christians, we should remember that the freedoms we cherish are grounded in these biblical truths. Yet we see our foundation being chipped away, with God’s principles removed from schools, government, and public life. If you want to destroy a house, you attack its foundation—and that’s what’s happening in our culture today. But we cannot be silent. We must speak up and defend the truth of God’s Word.


Let us be like the early apostles, who boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). We need to proclaim our faith, even when it challenges the norms of society.



Grace and the Gift of God’s Overflowing Love


Grace is a gift none of us can earn, and I thank God every day for His grace that has saved me, redeemed me, and kept me. Grace reminds me that it’s never too late to turn to God, no matter how far we’ve fallen. I’ve had more chances than I deserve, and I’m grateful that God’s love and mercy are always there for me.


Romans 5:20 says, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” God’s grace gives us the strength to start over, to stand up again, and to be an encouragement to others. When I think about all that God has done for me, I can’t help but share that grace with those around me. Let’s allow God’s grace to overflow in our lives so that others may see His love through us.



Bringing People to Christ: Our Ultimate Call


We are here to live out the truth, to reach the lost, and to encourage each other to grow in faith. Our families, our friends, our communities—they need us to stand in the gap, to pray, and to be an example of what it means to follow Christ. Let’s make a point to bring someone to church, invite them to a Bible study, or simply let them see Christ’s love in our lives.


“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

We can’t afford to wait. This world needs us to be bold, to stand for truth, and to live out our faith in every area of our lives. Let’s contend for what is right, with our eyes on God and our hearts full of His love.


Let’s be courageous, committed, and ready to defend the truth, no matter the cost. God is with us, and He has given us the strength to overcome.



Conclusion: Keep Contending for Righteousness


May we each take up the call to contend for what is right, to seek God above all else, and to make a difference wherever He has placed us. Remember, we’re not alone in this journey. We have the grace of God, the power of His Word, and the hope of His promises to guide us.




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