Read Ephesians 6:10-13
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (Matthew 25:40 NLT)
In times of moral crisis, Christians are called to stand firm against evil, even when doing so comes at great personal cost. This call to righteous defiance is not about rebellion for its own sake, but about aligning ourselves with God’s will and standing up for what is right, regardless of the consequences.
The metal band Demon Hunter captures this spirit of righteous defiance in their song “The World Is a Thorn.” The title itself evokes imagery of a world that can wound and cause pain to those who seek to follow Christ. The lyrics speak of refusing to bow to earthly authorities or systems contradicting God’s will. This echoes the biblical call to be in the world but not of it.
In “The World Is a Thorn,” Demon Hunter powerfully declares defiance against a world where God is mocked. But what mocks God more than Christians who praise God on Sunday, yet worship the world every other day of the week? This hypocrisy is evident when believers engage in unethical business practices during the workweek, consume media that glorifies values contrary to their faith, or treat others with disdain despite preaching love on Sundays. It’s seen in those who give offerings at church but cheat on their taxes, or in those who speak of God’s love yet discriminate against others based on race or social status. Such inconsistency between Sunday worship and daily living not only mocks God but also damages the credibility of Christian witness in the world.
History provides us with powerful examples of genuine righteous defiance. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor during World War II, exemplified this courage in the face of unimaginable evil. From the moment Hitler rose to power, Bonhoeffer recognized the threat and spoke out against it. He helped found the Confessing Church, which stood in opposition to the Nazi-influenced German Christian movement. Even as the risks grew, Bonhoeffer remained steadfast in his conviction that Christians must actively oppose evil.
Bonhoeffer’s resistance went beyond words, yet it was far from a simple tale of heroism. He used his position to help Jews escape and became involved in plans against Hitler’s regime. However, Bonhoeffer was deeply troubled by his own actions. He saw them not as morally justified, but as grave wrongs for which he sought God’s forgiveness. “When a man takes guilt upon himself in responsibility,” he wrote, “he imputes his guilt to himself and no one else. He answers for it… Before other men he is justified by dire necessity; before himself he is acquitted by his conscience, but before God he hopes only for grace.” Bonhoeffer knew the dangers, yet he chose to act, believing that to do nothing in the face of evil was to be a silent witness to it. His internal struggle and ultimate sacrifice stand as a testament to the complex moral dilemmas faced by those who resist injustice.
Even today, we see faith leaders risking their positions and reputations to speak truth to power. They remind us that our faith calls us to more than just personal piety or theological correctness. It demands active, compassionate engagement with the world around us, especially in defense of the vulnerable and marginalized.
This call to action is clearly outlined in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus tells us that when we serve “the least of these” – the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned – we are serving Christ himself. This passage challenges us to consider: Are we willing to defy societal norms, unjust systems, or even our own comfort to stand up for those in need?
As we navigate these challenges, let us draw strength from Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:10-13. We are called to put on God’s full armor, stand firm against the schemes of the devil, and struggle not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. This reminder grounds our defiance in faith, ensuring that our actions are driven not by self-righteousness or anger, but by love and a commitment to God’s justice.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.” – Dietrich BonhoefferPRAYER
Holy and just God, grant me the courage to stand firm against evil, to speak truth to power, and to serve the least around me. May my life reflect Your love and justice in this world. Strengthen me to defy injustice and to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.