If you open up social media, you’ll find no shortage of opinions. Everyone, qualified or otherwise, wants you to know what they think about the day’s issue. It’s more than just sharing their thoughts or a lively debate. This often turns into a fight that becomes more about the person than the idea.

It seems like Christians think the world around us is forcing us to “stand firm” on every issue, whether it matters or not.

Unfortunately, we’ve taken on the culture of the world around us when we attempt to “stand firm.” We’re slow to listen, quick to anger – the opposite of what scripture asks of us. We think that because the world is speaking, so should we. Even if it means we don’t quite know what we’re getting into.

The way of Jesus isn’t like this. Think back for a moment to the synoptic Gospels.

Jesus and his twelve disciples travelled from town to town, and it’s safe to assume, they had a bit of downtime en route to their destinations. I can imagine this rough-around-the-edges group of men seated around the fire, talking about the miracles they saw and debating the day’s issues. Two names come to mind, with backstories that seem very polarizing. First, we have Matthew, the tax collector. He was an employee of the state – not just any government, the brutal, oppressive Empire of Rome. Next, there’s Simon, the Zealot. Simon was a Jewish rebel, a man actively fighting against the machine that was Caesar and the Roman Empire. Can you imagine the debates and arguments these two had?

I picture Jesus sitting quietly, watching these two men go back and forth, but never stepping in to speak. He hand-picked them, fully knowing they came from different spheres of society, bringing their opposing views.

Jesus didn’t pick them for their opinions or positions, but for the sake of the Gospel. Like Jesus, we need to recognize there’s value in our silence when the things being discussed aren’t of eternal significance. Like his disciples, we need to know that our mission isn’t proving we’re right. It’s helping others encounter Jesus. That’s something far more important, and eternal than being right.

Pastor Ben reminded us that the point isn’t to be right, but to help others be right with God.

Want to stand out in a world that’s oversaturated with all sorts of opinions?

Stand firm in the truth of the Gospel.

The broken world around us doesn’t need another political opinion or your thoughts on the latest trends. Christians may be tempted to think that the world is hostile to our conviction. The reality is our world is looking for someone to take a definitive stand. When the Gospel saturates every part of your life, not just in our proclamation – people will take notice and believe what you say.

If we’re going to stand for anything, let’s boldly stand for the Gospel. As John Calvin said, “without the Gospel, everything else is useless and vain.”