Here I Stand

In 1517, a man named Martin Luther changed the course of human history when he nailed his 95 Theses on the church door at Wittenberg. This was the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. He was viewed as a heretic by the pope and was summoned to appear at an assembly. When Luther was presented with an array of his writings, he was asked if he still believed the words he had written. After careful thought for 24 hours, Luther stated, “Unless I am convinced by proofs from scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retreat, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me.”

Luther was declared an outlaw, but with the help of friends escaped and lived in exile in the Wartburg Castle.

In December, 1955, Rosa Parks climbed on a bus and sat down. But as an African-American, she was not supposed to sit in the front of the bus. She was expected to surrender her seat to a white bus rider. When she was asked to move, Rosa refused. She did not argue … just sat there. Police were called and she was arrested.

Rosa Parks did not actually say the words, “Here I stand,” but her actions proclaimed that loudly.

Many years ago I attended one session with a marriage counselor. After only one hour with her, I knew we would never agree on a plan of action. One of her first questions to me was, “I understand you have principles you are not willing to give up. Do you understand that kind of stubborn mentality will only make matters worse? Are you agreeable to backing off on your Christian beliefs for the sake of peace?”

I was not willing. I did not use the words “Here I stand,” but there was no wavering in my beliefs.

Are there some truths in your life you are willing to step up and say, “Here I stand?”

“It is God who arms me with strength
   and keeps my way secure.” Psalms 18:32 (NIV)