Know When to Say “No.”

(Proverbs 30:30 KJV)  A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

This must be understood in the context of the previous verse that talked about being “stately” (3190).  It is interesting to me the spectrum of images that are given.  It starts with the “lion” (3918), the king of beasts and ends with a human king when he is backed by his army.  Those are fine but in between he talks about a cock and a goat.  I am not sure what kind of an example we are being given.  I don’t mind the lion and king but to try to get me to identify with a billy goat...?

What do they have in common that makes them praiseworthy?  They “turneth not away” (retreat NASB) (7725).  Obviously this can be a negative trait.  It can speak of arrogance and foolishness, but I think the lesson for us today is different.  I think this is a reminder that we should not be backing down in our conflict with our culture.

We live in a culture that used to have the trappings of Christianity.  More and more that is being usurped by paganism.  The values that God wants to see are increasingly under attack.  We are reminded that we should not be retreating, but standing firm.

So?  Conversations, policies, laws.  All are going to be either anti-Christian, neutral, or supportive of God’s standards.  Know the difference.  Stand up for what is Godly.  Today.  Tomorrow may be too late.