Command 19 : Choose the Narrow Way | Day 132

Learn to "Stand Alone"!

In order to choose the narrow way that has only a few people on it and to reject the broad way that is crowded with people, we must learn how to "stand alone"¹ for what is right. This ability is vital, because when the world realizes that you are not going their way, they will put pressure on you to conform. Jesus spoke of this in His prayer: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14).

"Standing alone" for God's truth begins with an inward conviction and is expressed in outward words and actions.

To stand alone for God's truth means to go against the crowd and make decisions based on what is right, not on what is popular at the moment. Our actions should not be merely reactions to people; they should be the results of wholehearted love for the Lord and a wholesome fear of Him. (See Psalm 119:97-104.) When we oppose those who are asking us to go against our convictions, a spirit of meekness rather than condemnation is essential. (See II Timothy 2:24-26.)

Elijah stood alone when it seemed that the whole nation was rejecting God's ways. In the process, he learned a valuable lesson: there were 7,000 others who were silently standing with him. When we stand alone for truth, others are emboldened to follow our example.

Millions around the world revere the name Eric Liddell. He would have been a relatively obscure runner had it not been for his decision to stand alone. Representing Great Britain in the 1924 Olympic Games, he learned that the qualifying heats for his strongest event—the 100-meter race—would take place on Sunday. Because of his conviction to dedicate Sunday as a day of rest, set apart for the Lord, he declined to run, thereby disqualifying himself for the finals.

He was questioned, misunderstood, and ridiculed for his decision to forfeit his participation in a race that he was likely to win. However, God is the One Who writes last chapters. Eric ran in the 400-meter race instead, a distance he rarely ran competitively, and not only won the gold medal but also set a new world record! In the end, his courage and success as a champion runner caused the world to stand up and cheer!

We must run the race of life with discipline and dedication to the Lord, regardless of the sacrifices we must make along the way.

Being willing to stand alone for what is right is vital for success in every area of life. It requires Scriptural convictions that we are willing to live for and, if necessary, die for. Are you committed—at all costs—to following the Lord on the narrow way? Are you prepared to stand alone when necessary?

--

1. For additional training on standing alone, see the Advanced Seminar Textbook, pages 267-275.