It takes great courage to stand up for what you believe is right. Not everyone has this quality. The same quality Jesus Christ displayed when he sat with tax collectors and sinners. It raised a lot of eyebrows and other people spoke badly about him.
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthews house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the pharisees saw this they asked his disciples “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Matthew 9: 10-13, New INTERNATIONAL version
On hearing this, Jesus said “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. but go and learn what this means. ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice’. For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners”.
In this fast paced real world it’s so easy to go through our days accepting the social norms, behaviours and occurrences that happen without questioning it. Without actually thinking how it can be improved for the better and what actions can be done differently. This all stems from your belief.
Besides when we share the wonderful message we believe in. It has the ability to shine truth on a matter. To free those who are being persecuted or scrutinised for something. Releasing pain or pressure on that person which might be causing great grief.
A great example of this was Doctor Martin Luther King the American Minister. This great mastermind and Christ lead man delivered the ‘I have a dream speech’ in Lincoln square Memorial in 1968. His profound message was a huge contribution to the world we experience today. Less segregation. People having the right to vote. People travelling freely. The same laws applying to everyone. Less brutal racism and discrimination to particular ethnic backgrounds. All his beliefs combined changed the world magnificently. We can do the same maybe not to the same magnitude but we can make a difference.
Stand up for what you believe is right – Listen to your inner voice
Built in us beautifully by God is a superpower called instinct, also known as intuition. Its an inner wisdom that small voice that can sometimes be loud but we ignore it. It guides us. It even reinforces something we should do or should not do.
Sometimes shyness or self doubt can leave us feeling unsure if our point is even valid. This can cause us to hide behind a false opinion that we may not fully believe is right. Hence, it’s so important to have a moment of reflection and think back to what our true belief is.
If you are a christian and reading this, ask yourself the following questions:
What would Jesus do? How will my belief impact others positively? Why is my opinion right? When is the right time to share my belief? What do my loved ones think of my beliefs?
If you are not a christian try rephrasing them in your own words or inline with your religious or spiritual beliefs.
When you begin asking yourself these questions naturally you will identify what is wrong in a particualr belief before acting on it immediately.Additionally, you might consider how it could be impacting yourself and others negatively and you will start to reshape your thoughts, especially if they are sinful.
Think about it…
It only takes one individual to manipulate others into thinking negatively. Ultimately it effects another humans life which could be detrimental to their life, career, mental health, finance, or self esteem. This negativity is like a disease, spreading viciously. Encouraging others to have a negative opinion of other people and this cycle goes on and on.
We have to start growing and nurturing the right beliefs rooted in love.
Coley Awakend
Stand up for what you believe is right – How can I get more confident voicing my beliefs?
Read – Firstly, books will help grow your vocabulary and other reading materials (Self help ones have supported my growth in the past, click here to find out more)
Record your voice – Secondly, listening to your voice will help you to improve your tone, pace and get more comfortable with vocalising your beliefs
Public speaking – Join a group that requires you to speak about a topic (This might be picked randomly but it will prepare you to speak up more)
Journaling – Write down your thoughts, its a form of expression and can be kept strictly confidential (unless someone finds it lol)
Justice is served!
In conclusion, standing up for what you believe is right is so important especially if it is going to effect others in a positive, gracious, and fulfilling way. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase actions speak louder than words. Please remember there is still great power in acting out your belief even if your not physically voicing it. Have a wonderful week!
