Going against the crowd: do what's right, even when it's not popular, By Sarah P.

Going against the crowd: do what's right, even when it's not popular.

By Sarah P.

Esther 3:2 and 3:5-6

As Christians, we will usually be against the majority. It is hard to stick to our beliefs in tough situations. However, it is possible to defend our faith, even when it's really hard.

Get your Bible and turn to Esther 3:2. "And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage." (NKJV)

In this Scripture, the king had ordered for everyone to bow before Haman when he walked by (Esther 3:1). Everyone else was bowing down. Think of how easy it would have been for Mordecai to bow like the others! Instead, Mordecai chose to stick to his faith, you bow before God only, not any objects or people, only God.

Now let's look at Esther 3:5-6, "When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, the people of Mordecai." (NKJV)

Because Mordecai followed and obeyed God, Haman hated him. He hated Mordecai so much; he wanted to kill all of the Jews! If you stood up for what was right, and then someone wanted to kill you and your people, how would you feel? Again, how easy it would have been to give in! Mordecai could have bowed before Haman the next day, and Haman might have forgiven him. In spite of all temptations, Mordecai held on! His faith was strong, and he trusted in God.

Later on, Mordecai's niece and adopted daughter, Esther, who was the new Queen, pleaded her case before the king against Haman. Haman was killed, along with his wicked sons, and the Jews were saved. And, because of his faith, Mordecai took Haman's place as adviser to the king!

Though it was really hard, Mordecai stood with his faith. He went against what was popular. Not only did Mordecai receive a high place in the king's court, he also had the satisfaction of knowing he had done what was right! That feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction is from God, and is so much better than being accepted by the majority!

The Voice, By CJ

The Voice

By CJ

This past year, I’ve really seen bullying. Most of the time, I tell the bully to back off. But when it came to this one kid that I didn’t particularly enjoy, I never said anything a just felt bad. His family is military so he has been in my area for the past year. But now, people just bully him right and left. I felt bad because I never really stood up. I realized that I was just as bad as those mean kids. I once heard that ‘’Evil Triumphs when a good man does nothing.’’ Not saying anything is accepting the fact that I agree with them instead of the victim. Today I made a stand. I stood up from my desk, walked over, and told the bully to go away. Standing up is not easy to do. I’ve been spat upon, cursed at, chewed out, almost hit. But Jesus had that too. When they do that, it just makes me feel better. I can’t explain the feeling where you know good has victory. God will speak though you. So stand up, girls, stand up for what you believe in. Stand up for your fellow neighbor. Stand up for God. Speak out. 1st Peter 5:8-9 says ‘’Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy like the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of Believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings,’’ Every voice matters.