The challenge of taking a stand for what you believe
Are you willing to take a stand for what you believe? Most leaders aren't willing to truly stand for what they believe.
Instead, they're willing to sprinkle pleasant words that skirt around important issues. This happens in the church world and the business world equally.
People are afraid to take a stand for what they believe. Many won't openly tell you what they stand for.
Why people are unwilling to take a stand
I remember writing a paper in one of my middle school classes. I wrote about the horror that is abortion and how it has killed millions of children.
My teacher reprimanded me because the paper went against her beliefs. It cited sources and was researched. Still, it was marked down.
Online, I see people doing the same thing. They scream at those who oppose their beliefs or ideals. They are willing to excommunicate friends and families because they believe differently.
Worse, they taunt and denigrate those who hold opposing views. All because someone was brave enough to speak up and take a stand.
I have a friend who recently posted her opinion on Facebook. She took a stand to say something was wrong. Do you know what happened?
My friend received death threats. She received messages mocking her for having a miscarriage. And so much more.
People are brutal. They don't care what they say, how they say it, or how much their words hurt. People will trounce you for taking a stand.
This is why so many people are afraid to take a stand on the matters that matter the most to them. They're scared of the rejection, the verbal abuse, and the possibility of verbal abuse from friends, family, and strangers.
Taking a stand hurts
It sucks that people are mean. People are willing to hurt others to make themselves feel better. They're also willing to shout down people who don't align with them.
Yet, true leaders know they have to take a stand. They have to be willing to be hurt to tell the truth, share their message, and live a life that is true to who they are.
Be willing to be hurt. That's the only way you can truly lead.
You can't lead from a defensive position. Or a passive position. Or a wavering position.
Take a stand on what you believe. Be willing to share your beliefs. Be unwilling to hide your beliefs.
Share what you believe about your faith, what a family looks like, the tragedy of abortion, the lack of morals in business, the pain caused within churches, etc.
The world needs more people who are willing to speak up and speak truth.
You can be that person. You can take a stand.
If you are that person, be ready. Taking a stand hurts.
But do you know what else? Taking a stand is worth it. When you speak up, it means you're no longer hiding. You're no longer silent.
Be a voice for the silent. Be a voice for the weak. Be a voice crying out in the desert.
 | Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level. This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More » |
More on Conflict & Criticism
- Unique problems grow you uniquely (by Richard Blackaby)
- They tried to quiet Charlie Kirk—but the gospel still speaks (by Bob Russell)
- The power of an unoffendable heart (by Tom Crenshaw)
- How did Jesus deal with animosity? (by Chris Bolinger)
