There seem to be a lot of news items at the moment about people makinga stand for what they believe in, regardless of the consequences. I amthinking about the science advisor recently sacked by theGovernment and the situation of the Afghan elections where AbdullahAbdullah stood down in protest against the undemocratic way theelections were being held.

Whether we agree or not with these individual protests, I do admirethose who make a stand even when the personal stakes are high. Thebible is filled with the stories of those who suffered persecution anddeath in order to follow Jesus and in so many countries todayChristians  still suffer for their beliefs.

It always challenges me to think about how I would behave, am I braveenough to make a stand? Given it is unlikely that I will be in a lifeor death situation, the more challenging question to me is do Icurrently make a stand? Do others see my life as an example of someonewho follows Christ?Jesus reminds us;

"Blessed are you when people insult you,persecute you and falsely sayall kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be gladbecause great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way theypersecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5 vs 11-12