Speak Up

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

Proverbs 31:8

THERE ARE PEOPLE ALL AROUND US who cannot speak up for themselves, and it’s not just limited to the poor and needy. Sometimes, we seem to think that it’s enough to drop a few bucks in the offering plate for world missions. That couldn’t be further from the truth. There are all kinds of ways to stand up for all kinds of people.

Those you can speak up for may be halfway around the world, but they may also be just down the street. Maybe it’s a cashier being given a hard time by a customer. Maybe it’s a child who isn’t the best athlete in the world playing on the same sports team as your son or daughter. Opportunities abound to help and encourage.

As He did in so many other ways, our Savior set forth a remarkable standard. When the disciples tried to shoo away a group of children, Jesus set the disciples straight very quickly, saying, “Leave the children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this” (Matthew 19:14, HCSB).

In a lot of cases, the situation wouldn’t have been given a second thought. The kids were in the way, so they had to go, right? Wrong. You come into contact with people every day who need that same kind of support in some way, even if it’s nothing more than a kind word or a pat on the back.

BOTTOM LINE

There are people both near and far who cannot speak up for themselves. Ask God to show you ways and opportunities to speak up for them.

Moment of Strength: Isaiah 1:17