By David Faust

The book of Judges tells about a stormy period in Israel filled with conflict and chaos. After Moses and Joshua died, the next generation lapsed into spiritual amnesia, forgot the Lord, and “worshiped various gods of the peoples around them” (Judges 2:12). The Canaanites should have come to the Israelites to learn about the true God, but instead the Israelites adopted the idolatrous habits of their neighbors. As a result, “They were in great distress”
(v. 15). Even after God rescued them over and over again, his fickle people stubbornly drifted back into unfaithfulness. Regrettably, the same thing happens today.

It’s easy to blame the culture for the mess we’re in. But our choices shape our character, and our character shapes our culture. The kind of people we are determines the kind of world we inhabit. What does it take to stand out for the Lord?

Convictions Rooted in Christ

There’s a big difference between a taste and a conviction. I like coconut cream pie, but I wouldn’t die for it. Thomas Jefferson said, “In matters of principle, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current.” In other words, be strong in your beliefs, but flexible in your opinions. Make up your mind ahead of time about your bedrock values, and those core convictions will sustain you when temptation comes. Ranchers have a saying: “It’s easier to guard the gate than to clean the corral.”

In the book of Judges, Israel had no king, but we do have a King. Jesus is in charge. Did he say we should be baptized? Let’s do it. How did Jesus treat the poor and the disadvantaged? Let’s follow his example. What did Jesus and his apostles say about sexuality and marriage? That’s what we believe. The Lord himself is the true north on our moral compass. Individuals with Christ-centered convictions stand out.

Courage Mingled with Compassion

It’s been said, “The wishbone will never replace the backbone.” Heroes in the book of Judges (brave leaders like Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, and Jael) appear a bit awkward and uncouth at times, but they were motivated by faith and a keen sense of justice. Even when it’s clumsy, love for God and neighbor beats apathy and inaction every time.

Where can you find a combination of courage and compassion today? In aging saints who care about the needs of others. In young military recruits who risk their lives because they love their country. In single adults who say no to sexual experiences that belong in the context of marriage. In brave, compassionate missionaries who forfeit the comforts of home to spread the gospel in other lands.

Confession of Our Need for Grace

Christians aren’t better than anybody else, but we should stand out because of how freely we admit our shortcomings. We should stand out because we’re unusually transparent—acknowledging our brokenness, trusting Christ’s mercy and sacrifice (not our own merits) to make us right with God. People who stood out in Judges, like Jephthah and Samson, sometimes made regrettable decisions. But despite their weaknesses, several of these judges also appear in the “Honor Roll of Faith” (Hebrews 11:32-34). They were flawed, but they trusted God. In the search for a flawless leader, there’s only one perfect judge. Jesus stands out above all others.

David Faust serves as the Associate Minister at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Based on International Sunday School Lesson, © 2013, by the Lesson Committee. Scripture quotations are from the New International Version ©2011, unless otherwise indicated.

As you apply today’s Scripture study to everyday life, read Engage Your Faith by David Faust and the correlating Evaluation Questions.