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Key Bible Verse: Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Bonus Reading: Luke 14:25-35

Several years ago the wire services carried an account of a printing press operator in the Midwest whose employer signed a contract to print a pornographic magazine. This man refused to operate his press on that one contract. He pleaded, "Allow me to work on any other project. Give me the worst hours in the shop; I won't operate my press when that magazine comes through." He was fired. He appealed to his labor union, which declined to support his "censorship." He lost his job with only three years to go on his pension and retirement.

I discussed this disturbing story with a pastor I know.

"What a jerk!" my preacher friend laughed. "Gagging at gnats and swallowing camels. How big of a deal is it? He doesn't have to read them or look at the pictures. That fool has no responsibility in the matter. All he has to do is operate a printing press."

That pastor's attitude exposes a deep wound in our society. When we can no longer even identify which situations demand truly courageous responses, then we no longer know when to take a stand. Finally we will lose our understanding of what courage is. If a society misdefines courage, it's on the verge of barbarism.

—Mark Rutland in Character Matters

My Response: An issue of which I believe Christians should take a stand is …

Thought to Apply: It is important that people know what you stand for. It is equally important that they know what you won't stand for. —SOURCE UNKNOWN

Adapted from Character Matters (Charisma, 2003) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Being an out-and-out disciple isn't for wimps, Lord. Give me what it takes to be all Yours.

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