Stand Always For God

Summary of The Poem:

This poem is about standing firm in faith with Jesus despite facing temptations and darkness. It emphasizes relying on Jesus' guidance and love to overcome challenges and resist worldly influences.

How The Poem, Stand Always For God, Applies Today:

• Materialism and Consumerism:

  In a consumer-driven culture, Christians may face temptations to prioritize wealth, possessions, and status over spiritual values. The pressure to constantly pursue material success and keep up with societal standards can lead to a neglect of spiritual growth and service to others. For instance, Christians may find themselves caught up in purchasing luxury goods or accumulating wealth at the expense of generosity and compassion towards those in need.
  
  

• Social Media and Distraction:

  With the prevalence of social media platforms and digital technologies, Christians may encounter distractions that divert their attention from their faith. The constant bombardment of information, entertainment, and social interactions online can consume valuable time and energy, leaving little room for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. For example, a Christian might spend hours scrolling through social media feeds, indulging in gossip, comparison, and frivolous content, rather than investing in spiritual disciplines and meaningful relationships.
  
  

• Secularism and Relativism:

  In a secular society that promotes individualism and moral relativism, (moral relativism is the belief that moral principles are not absolute and unchanging, but rather dependent on individual or cultural perspectives, circumstances, or preferences.) Christians may face intellectual challenges to their beliefs and values. The rejection of absolute truth and the acceptance of subjective morality can undermine the authority of Scripture and the teachings of the Church. For instance, a Christian college student may encounter professors or peers who espouse secular ideologies and question the relevance of biblical principles in modern life, leading to doubts and confusion about their faith.
  
  

• Evolutionary Theory:

  This theory proposes that life on Earth evolved over millions of years through natural processes. This challenges Christian beliefs in creation, particularly those who interpret the creation account in the Bible literally. The idea that humans and other species share a common ancestry conflicts with the traditional understanding of creation as a deliberate act of divine intervention. Furthermore, evolutionary theory suggests that humans are not inherently distinct from other animals, potentially undermining the belief that humans are created in the image of God. Consequently, some Christians may reinterpret or reject aspects of the creation narrative in the Bible in light of evolutionary theory, leading to a divergence from traditional beliefs in a literal six-day creation.
  
  

• Persecution and Hostility:

  In regions where Christianity is a minority or faces opposition, believers may endure persecution and discrimination for their faith. This can manifest in various forms, such as social ostracism, legal restrictions, or physical violence. For example, a Christian living in a totalitarian regime may face imprisonment or torture for openly practicing their faith or sharing the Gospel with others.
  
  

These examples illustrate the diverse temptations and challenges that Christians encounter today, highlighting the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, prayer, and reliance on God's strength to overcome these obstacles and uphold the principles of their belief.