Stand Your Ground

Stand. v.tr. To resist successfully; withstand.

There are many opportunities in life to wisely, honourably and courageously Stand Your Ground. However this doesn’t always seem advantageous - whether it’s in the playground or the boardroom! Public opinion, peer or su-peer-ior pressure is a confronting social science. Going along with the crowd is easier and more risk-averse, but doesn’t always prove beneficial. Many find uniformity comfortable, using social camouflages to blend in, effectively concealing any distinctions – or unique characteristics.

We read in the book of Daniel about three young men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, who when confronted with a life and death ultimatum, forsook what was popular and protected, to do what was right in their heart, and in the sight of their God. In a courageous act of defiance, as everybody else conformed and fell to their knees to worship the gold image, they remained standing. With the consequences of a burning fiery furnace clearly outlined, and given the second opportunity to comply, they stood by their convictions and shunned compromise at any cost. Demonstrating that, He who kneels before God can stand before anyone. They boldly stared down their intimidators, and with resolve in their heart declared; …we have no need to answer you in this matter...our God who we serve is able to deliver us…But if not, let it be known to you.. that we do  not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image...This showing, that character makes statements not deals!

We live in an ever-increasing politically correct and secularised world. The culture of the world is subtle in its attempt to bring you to your knees, metaphorically speaking. As Romans 12 says, Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking …the culture around you, always dragging you down... The crowd shouted out to Jesus as He was being crucified on the cross; If you are the Son of God come down... It took strength and character for Jesus to stay up on that cross, obedient to His Father’s will. Likewise these three young men were not prepared to lower themselves to the level of the crowd, succumbing to the non-values of the compliant majority. It’s been said; The enemies you make by taking a stand generally have more respect for you than the friends you make by being on the fence. Unless the crowd is pursuing God, don’t follow it! 


These three young men cannot be accused of faltering between two opinions or flirting with alternate lifestyles. One thing their peers and superiors accused them of, was that they had not paid due regard to the king’s wishes.  Divided-loyalty is an oxymoron. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24; No one can serve two masters; and in Matthew 12:25 He states; Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

Let us develop a character like these men, who avoided duplicity, defied the king’s worship agenda, disregarded public pressure, survived the fiery furnace, and by doing so influenced the spiritual allegiance of the king and that of the people. Be determined in life to wisely, honourably and courageously Stand Your Ground, no matter the cost, knowing that, a man or woman with God is always a majority.




Reference: Daniel 3:1-30