The Need To Be Challenged . . .
As Christians, we need to be challenged about our faith, whether by men or by God. We would all end up as lukewarm Christians if we weren't ever challenged. And, we all know what God thinks of lukewarm Christians. Don't we?
We need to be challenged - If we are not challenged, then "our" stand is weakening. And if "our" stand is weakening, then "we" will begin to fall for anything.
The time is now - And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11
Stand therefore - 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness. Ephesians 6:13-14
Contend earnestly - Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3
Be ready - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:15
Are we up to the challenge?
What do we say, or how do we answer ?
Do we answer and say that we Standing therefore, contending earnestly for the faith,
always being ready to give a defense to everyone who asks.
Are we up to the challenge?
Are we "Openly professing Christian's" or "Silent witness Christian's" or "Closet Christian's".
If we are not openly professing Christians, then what is the barricade, or stumbling block?
What are "WE" Christian's afraid of ? Someone ? or something ?
Embarrassment? "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26
Being made fun of ? And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?" John 10:20
Unfair Affliction ? "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Mean Unkindness ? Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 2 Tim. 4:14
Of being Shunned ? "Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake." Luke 6:22
Cruel Mockery ? Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. Heb. 11:36
Harsh Persecution? 10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Mat. 5:10-12. We are in good company.
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Mat. 5:44
Maybe Martyrdom ? Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. Acts 12:2
Are we up for the Challenge?
What about being embarrassed, and denying the Lord?
Is it possible that "WE" would really "Deny" the profession of our faith in Jesus by our words, thoughts, and deeds, and thus do the same again to Jesus Christ as Peter did? Yes, I know Peter repented, and was forgiven, but I believe it to be a word of caution, and Peter would tell us, "My (Peter's) denial was recorded so that those who "Follow" hereafter, will be reminded to stand and not shrink back from their profession and faith in Jesus."
Some would say either "WE" have the goods or "WE" do not.
Are we "Salt and light?" Are we Flavorless and dark ? "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." Mat. 5:13
What say We ? Where do We stand?
"Stand therefore" . . . and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore . . . Ephesians 6:13-14
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Heb. 12:1-2
Contend earnestly for the faith - Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3
So How say you? Are we or aren't we?
. SO I DO. But, I know it's not God's will for me to just sit and take, always. I guess I need prayer for the people I work with. For God's spirit to overcome what IS going on there. And of course for ME to have God's Wisdom and Discretion as to where I maybe should be besides HERE! 
