Taking a ‘Stand’ for Jesus
April 12, 2009
We are people who like to be comfortable. That comfort often 
involves sitting or reclining. However, medical experts provide interesting facts regarding the benefits of standing. For example, standing helps increase “good” (HDL) cholesterol and burns twice as many calories (about sixty an hour). It also stimulates enzymes that metabolize fat. On the other hand, if a person sits for more than a couple of hours, these enzymes shut off. What is the result? Fat stays in the blood and is either stored as body fat or accumulates in the arteries and causes diseases. Either way, excessive sitting is a losing proposition. Friends, what is true physically is also true spiritually. That is, God wants his people to take a “stand” for him. We are to stand in proclamation (Acts 5:20). We are to stand in grace (Rom. 5:2). We are to stand in faith (2 Cor. 1:24). We are to stand in liberty (Gal. 5:1). We are to stand in the Lord (Phil. 4:1). Can you imagine “sitting down” and losing all the divine benefits of life in these five areas? When we fail to stand for our Lord, “enzymes of righteousness” are not produced (Gal. 5:22-23). In fact, enzymes of unrighteousness are produced, and these cause “sitting saints” to become increasingly unhealthy in their faith walk (Gal. 5:19-21). What can we say to all this? Only that physical activity plays a significant role in our overall health and happiness. Spiritual activity does, as well! The question is, friend, will you stand? —JLNJR (Resource: Arthritis Magazine, Feb/Mar 2009, 7)
