Stand Up

A few weeks ago I was on my way out to grab a bite to eat when my phone rang. A friend was on his way to see the Hawks play the Celtics in Atlanta. We chatted for a moment as he drove to the dome. The conversation soon ended and we continued with our individual agendas. After my meal, I looked up and noticed the game was underway on the big screen in their lounge. Not very interested in the game, I began looking for my friend in the arena crowd of several thousand. An almost impossible task, I decided to send him a text message and ask him where he was seated and what was he wearing. He responded and noted he (his daughter, too) was near half court to the right of the scorer’s table, and his back would be toward the TV cameras. With relentless passion, I tried to identify my friend in the camouflage of the crowd. It was a tough assignment.

At last, I had a rather witty idea. I sent him a message and asked him to do me a favor. The next time the ball turned over—whether a missed shot or a basket—as the players return up the court, I asked him to quickly stand up so I could see where he was seated. Almost immediately, the ball turned over and the players were hurrying to the other end of the court. The television cameras panned the entire court and captured the teams in full stride to assume their positions. In a moment, the silhouette of a man unobtrusively rose and just as discreetly sat back down. There was no mistake about it. It was my friend. We confirmed it via text. I laughed so hard people were wondering what was wrong with me!

As Christians in the crowded arena of life, it is often tough for some to distinguish us from others who are in the world. Whether through a sermon or a sunrise, I believe God is routinely sending us messages to help make our presence known and felt by others. If sinful me could successfully persuade my friend over a thousand miles away to get up out of his seat so he could be recognized, surely a loving God ought to be able to get us to do the same.

The point is clear. God wants his people to stand up and be a witness! And if you’ll stand up, you’ll stand out; and as you stand out (for Him), it means you’re standing FOR Him; and if you’ll stand FOR Him, He’ll stand with you! Won’t He do it?