In the last few weeks I found myself taking a stand for something that most people today do not view as a big deal. While I don't think I have ever run from a good discussion, I did not find it pleasant or enjoyable to take a position that so many others do not. I am in the doctoral program at Lincoln Christian University and am taking a class in church history. Throughout this discussion, I have taken heart in those who "took a stand" before me. I orignially wrote this for that class, but decided it could go here, too.
It's sometimes hard to take an unpopular position on a particular issue. In my work with students in both middle and high school, it seems to me there are many concerns about how one is viewed by one’s peers. Being different for any reason is tough. Being different because of your faith may well be doubly difficult. Young people, in today’s culture, are pretty blunt and can be harsh to those who are different, especially those who swim upstream against the permissive culture of our day. If you are willing to take a stand for your beliefs, you will be looked as different, but you will not be alone. There have been many who have taken a stand. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs is challenging and inspiring reading. You can find several good stories of men and women who were willing to give their lives for their beliefs. The pages of church history also give us some good examples.
From the website, English Bible History (http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/martin-luther.html), consider this about Martin Luther.
Luther's Protestant views were condemned as heretical by Pope Leo X in the bull Exsurge Domine in 1520. Consequently Luther was summoned to either renounce or reaffirm them at the Diet of Worms on 17 April 1521. When he appeared before the assembly, Johann von Eck, by then assistant to the Archbishop of Trier, acted as spokesman for Emperor Charles the Fifth. He presented Luther with a table filled with copies of his writings. Eck asked Luther if he still believed what these works taught. He requested time to think about his answer. Granted an extension, Luther prayed, consulted with friends and mediators and presented himself before the Diet the next day.
When the counselor put the same question to Luther the next day, the reformer apologized for the harsh tone of many of his writings, but said that he could not reject the majority of them or the teachings in them. Luther respectfully but boldly stated, "Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."
On May 25, the Emperor issued his Edict of Worms, declaring Martin Luther an outlaw.
Luther was willing to take a stand. He wasn’t always right, but he was true to his convictions. It’s a good example for all of us. Know what you believe. Know why you believe it. Then, no matter what opposition may come, stand. You can’t go wrong.
