Chapter 7 ” Stand up to bullies”
There will always be people who try to use power to get their own way. Christians should learn how to stand up against power brokers. On the playground when we were little, it meant taking the risk of getting whipped, in front of everyone else. As you might have guessed, my personality did not sit well on the same playground with a bully. Especially if the bully was picking on someone else, like my brother. I guess I am still that way. As Christians we have a responsibility to stand up for the less fortunate even if it means standing toe to toe with the bully. There is character in that, even if you get whipped. The option is to just step aside and let the bullies rule the world. As a kid growing up and protecting my brothers, I learned that once you stand up to the bully they will either leave you alone or bring help the next day. You never really whip the bully, not enough to change them. But standing up to it does something for you. It helps you realize you have value. I learned early on there are two things that are powerful to use against bullies: the voice of the people, a lot of people can stand up against strong power forces. And God. Nothing quite like having God on your side.
There will always be people who try to use power to get their own way. Christians should learn how to stand up against power brokers. On the playground when we were little, it meant taking the risk of getting whipped, in front of everyone else. As you might have guessed, my personality did not sit well on the same playground with a bully. Especially if the bully was picking on someone else, like my brother. I guess I am still that way. As Christians we have a responsibility to stand up for the less fortunate even if it means standing toe to toe with the bully. There is character in that, even if you get whipped. The option is to just step aside and let the bullies rule the world. As a kid growing up and protecting my brothers, I learned that once you stand up to the bully they will either leave you alone or bring help the next day. You never really whip the bully, not enough to change them. But standing up to it does something for you. It helps you realize you have value. I learned early on there are two things that are powerful to use against bullies: the voice of the people, a lot of people can stand up against strong power forces. And God. Nothing quite like having God on your side.
~Grace & Peace~
Pastor Ernie