Called to Courageous Action: Standing Against Injustice

Devotional

Day 1: The Danger of Doing What Is Right in Our Own Eyes

When people choose to do what seems right to themselves rather than following God's ways, it opens the door to confusion, compromise, and ultimately, generational consequences. The story of Micah in Judges 17 shows how a single act of disobedience—stealing from his mother and then creating a shrine of idols—set off a chain reaction that led an entire tribe away from God. When there is no clear standard or leadership, and everyone does what is right in their own eyes, the result is spiritual drift and the normalization of sin. [56:01]

Judges 17:6-13 (NIV)
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
7 A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah,
8 left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.
9 Micah asked him, “Where are you from?”
“I’m a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he said, “and I’m looking for a place to stay.”
10 Then Micah said to him, “Live with me and be my father and priest, and I’ll give you ten shekels of silver a year, your clothes and your food.”
11 So the Levite agreed to live with him, and the young man became like one of his sons to him.
12 Then Micah installed the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house.
13 And Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest.”

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to justify actions or attitudes simply because they “feel right” to you, rather than seeking God’s direction?

Day 2: The Ripple Effect of Indifference

Indifference to sin and compromise doesn’t just affect the individual—it can have a ripple effect that impacts families, communities, and even generations. Micah’s mother, instead of correcting her son for stealing, blessed him and became complicit in his misguided worship. The Levite, who should have known better, accepted a comfortable position rather than standing for truth. Their silence and inaction allowed idolatry to spread, eventually leading the entire tribe of Dan astray. When good people do nothing, evil is allowed to grow unchecked. [01:00:49]

Judges 17:1-5 (NIV)
1 Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim
2 said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have that silver with me; I took it.”
Then his mother said, “The Lord bless you, my son!”
3 When he returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I solemnly consecrate my silver to the Lord for my son to make an image overlaid with silver. I will give it back to you.”
4 So after he returned the silver to his mother, she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to make the idol. And it was put in Micah’s house.
5 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest.

Reflection: Is there a situation in your family or community where your silence or indifference might be allowing a problem to grow? What would it look like to lovingly speak up or take action?

Day 3: When Good Men Do Nothing, Evil Prevails

History and Scripture both show that evil triumphs not simply because of the actions of the wicked, but because of the inaction of the righteous. The story of the tribe of Dan illustrates this truth: leaders, soldiers, and priests all knew idol worship was wrong, yet none stood up to stop it. Their collective silence led to the tribe’s spiritual downfall and eventual exclusion from God’s blessing. The call is clear—God’s people must not be passive in the face of wrongdoing, but must have the courage to stand for what is right, even when it is costly or uncomfortable. [01:07:21]

Judges 18:14-20 (NIV)
14 Then the five men who had spied out the land of Laish said to their fellow Danites, “Do you know that one of these houses has an ephod, some household gods and an image overlaid with silver? Now you know what to do.”
15 So they turned in there and went to the house of the young Levite at Micah’s place and greeted him.
16 The six hundred Danites, armed for battle, stood at the entrance of the gate.
17 The five men who had spied out the land went inside and took the idol, the ephod and the household gods while the priest and the six hundred armed men stood at the entrance of the gate.
18 When the five men went into Micah’s house and took the idol, the ephod and the household gods, the priest said to them, “What are you doing?”
19 They answered him, “Be quiet! Don’t say a word. Come with us, and be our father and priest. Isn’t it better that you serve a tribe and clan in Israel as priest rather than just one man’s household?”
20 The priest was very pleased. He took the ephod, the household gods and the idol and went along with the people.

Reflection: Think of a time when you witnessed something wrong but hesitated to act—what held you back, and how might you respond differently if faced with a similar situation today?

Day 4: The Power of Standing Up for What Is Right

When good people choose to act, even in small ways, God can use their courage to bring about lasting change. The founding of Falcon Children’s Home, the creation of Royal Home Ministries, and the rescue of girls from human trafficking all began because someone refused to look away or remain silent. These stories remind us that God honors those who are willing to risk comfort, reputation, or resources to defend the vulnerable and stand for righteousness. Your willingness to do something, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect for generations. [01:10:27]

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Reflection: Who in your life or community needs someone to stand up for them today, and what is one concrete step you can take to be their advocate?

Day 5: Consecration—Becoming Fully Available to God

The world is yet to see what God can do with a person who is fully consecrated to Him. Whether it’s the quiet faithfulness of a servant, the boldness of a martyr, or the compassion of someone who helps the hurting, God uses those who surrender their lives and resources for His purposes. Consecration means saying “yes” to God’s call, even when it costs us something. When you offer yourself fully to God, you become part of His story of redemption and hope for others. [01:08:26]

Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Reflection: What is one area of your life that you have been holding back from God, and how can you take a step today to offer it fully to Him?

Sermon Summary

It is a joy and privilege to be with the South Henderson Church family, a congregation that has consistently demonstrated what it means to stand up for the vulnerable and make a difference in the world. The deep partnership with Falcon Children’s Home, Royal Home Ministries, Falcon Christian Academy, Turbeyville Children’s Home, and Magnolia Hope is a testament to the heart of this church—a heart that refuses to sit idly by while others are in need. Through your prayers, support, and presence, you have been the hands and feet of Christ to countless children and families.

Reflecting on the story from Judges 17, we see the devastating ripple effect that occurs when people fail to stand up for what is right. Micah’s theft, his mother’s indifference, the Levite’s compromise, and the silence of the leaders and soldiers of Dan all contributed to a legacy of idolatry that ultimately led to the tribe of Dan being omitted from the list of tribes in Revelation. This is a sobering reminder that evil does not triumph because of the overwhelming power of darkness, but because of the silence and inaction of those who know better.

The world is desperate for men and women who are fully consecrated to God, willing to risk comfort, reputation, and even their lives for the sake of righteousness. Whether it’s standing up to the evil of human trafficking, providing a home for children in crisis, or simply refusing to turn a blind eye to the small sins that can grow into generational strongholds, the call is the same: do something. The stories of those who have gone before us—those who started Falcon Children’s Home with a small offering, those who left secure positions to fight for the unborn, those who have driven thousands of miles to serve—remind us that when good people act, God multiplies their efforts for His glory.

We are not called to comfort or complacency, but to courageous action. The world is yet to see what God will do with a person fully surrendered to Him. Let us be those people, for the sake of the next generation and for the glory of God.

Key Takeaways

1. The Ripple Effect of Inaction: When we fail to confront sin or injustice, even in small ways, the consequences can extend far beyond our immediate circle. Micah’s story shows how a single act of indifference or compromise can set off a chain reaction that affects families, communities, and even future generations. Our silence today can become someone else’s bondage tomorrow. [67:21]
2. Courage to Stand in the Face of Evil: True faith is not just about believing the right things, but about having the courage to stand up for them, even when it’s costly. Whether facing cultural opposition, personal risk, or spiritual warfare, God calls us to be people who do not shrink back but confront evil with conviction and love. [50:17]
3. The Danger of Comfortable Compromise: The Levite in Judges 17 was content to exchange his calling for comfort and status, accepting “ten shekels and a shirt” instead of standing for truth. It is easy to justify compromise when it brings personal benefit, but such choices erode our integrity and witness. God desires obedience over comfort. [63:55]
4. The Power of Consecrated Action: History is changed not by the majority who remain passive, but by the few who are fully surrendered to God and willing to act. From the founding of Falcon Children’s Home to the rescue of girls from trafficking, every breakthrough began with someone who refused to do nothing. Our willingness to act can be the catalyst for God’s miracles. [69:57]
5. Redemptive Impact of Compassionate Intervention: When we step into broken situations with compassion and resolve, God uses our actions to bring healing and freedom. Whether it’s removing a trafficker’s tattoo or providing a safe home, these acts of love break chains and restore hope. We are called to be agents of redemption, not spectators. [01:14:45]
** [74:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:03] - Greetings and Church Appreciation
[41:32] - Invitation to Harvest Train
[42:54] - Honoring Ms. Evelyn Harris
[43:42] - Reflections on Church Family
[44:22] - Updates on Falcon Ministries
[46:34] - Story: The Devil in Church
[48:18] - When Good Men Do Nothing
[49:44] - The Example of Charlie Kirk
[52:05] - The Cost of Standing for Faith
[53:33] - The Subtlety of Sin and Indifference
[55:12] - Reading Judges 17:1-13
[57:37] - The Consequences of Inaction
[63:55] - Ten Shekels and a Shirt: The Danger of Compromise
[69:57] - When Good Men Do Something
[73:34] - Magnolia Hope and Human Trafficking
[75:35] - A Call to Stand Up and Make a Difference
[76:36] - Closing and Video Presentation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Judges 17:1-13 (NIV) —
1 Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim 2 said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have that silver with me; I took it.”
Then his mother said, “The Lord bless you, my son!”
3 When he returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I solemnly consecrate my silver to the Lord for my son to make an image overlaid with silver. I will give it back to you.”
4 So after he returned the silver to his mother, she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to make the idol. And it was put in Micah’s house.
5 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest.
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
7 A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah, 8 left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.
9 Micah asked him, “Where are you from?”
“I’m a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he said, “and I’m looking for a place to stay.”
10 Then Micah said to him, “Live with me and be my father and priest, and I’ll give you ten shekels of silver a year, your clothes and your food.”
11 So the Levite agreed to live with him, and the young man became like one of his sons to him.
12 Then Micah installed the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house.
13 And Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest.”

Observation Questions

What actions did Micah and his mother take after the theft was confessed, and how did these actions set the stage for what followed? ([59:36])
What was the Levite’s response to Micah’s offer, and what does this reveal about his priorities? ([57:05])
According to the passage, what was the spiritual climate in Israel during this time? ([56:01])
In the sermon, what was the eventual consequence for the tribe of Dan as a result of the events that began in Micah’s house? ([01:06:37])

Interpretation Questions

Why might Micah’s mother have chosen to bless him instead of correcting him after he confessed to stealing? What does this say about her values or fears? ([59:36])
The Levite accepted “ten shekels and a shirt” to serve as a priest in Micah’s house. What does this suggest about the danger of choosing comfort or status over obedience to God? ([01:03:18])
The phrase “everyone did as they saw fit” is repeated in Judges. How does this attitude contribute to the problems in this story and in society today? ([56:01])
The sermon describes a “ripple effect” of inaction. How did the silence or compromise of individuals lead to generational consequences for the tribe of Dan? ([01:07:21])

Application Questions

The sermon warns that “evil does not triumph because of the overwhelming power of darkness, but because of the silence and inaction of those who know better.” Can you think of a situation in your life, family, or community where you were tempted to stay silent? What held you back from speaking or acting? ([01:07:21])
The Levite traded his calling for “ten shekels and a shirt.” Are there areas in your life where you have chosen comfort, reputation, or personal benefit over doing what is right? What would it look like to choose obedience instead? ([01:03:18])
The story of Falcon Children’s Home and other ministries began with small acts of obedience. Is there a “small” step of faith or action you feel God is prompting you to take for someone in need? What is stopping you? ([01:09:57])
The sermon highlights the power of compassionate intervention, like helping a trafficking survivor remove a tattoo. Is there a practical way you can step into a broken situation with compassion this week? What might that look like? ([01:14:45])
The world is “yet to see what God will do with a person fully surrendered to Him.” What area of your life do you find hardest to surrender to God? What would it take to trust Him with it? ([01:08:26])
The sermon challenges us not to be “comfortable or complacent, but to courageous action.” What is one risk you could take this month to stand up for what is right, even if it costs you something? ([01:13:16])
Our silence today can become someone else’s bondage tomorrow. Is there a “small sin” or injustice you’ve been ignoring that could grow into something bigger? What step can you take to confront it now? ([01:07:21])

Sermon Clips

If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas and not run away from them. What are you willing to fight for today? What are you willing to stand up for today? [00:50:05] (15 seconds) #CourageToFight

To watch Charlie Kirk's wife get up and say she forgives the person who shot her husband is the most remarkable thing. But I think she senses something that I sense. Some things are worth dying for. Because of his death, I believe you're going to see a whole revival sweep across this nation. [00:52:13] (24 seconds) #ForgivenessAndRevival

When good men do nothing, evil prevails. The plot thickens as you read later on, if you go into chapter 18, the tribe of Dan had been trying to run out. The Amorites, they were a difficult bunch to get out of their land, so they decided they'd go try to go in another direction. They come in the area of where Micah's house is, and they hear about Micah's shrine and the worship he does in his house. [01:04:02] (32 seconds) #EvilPrevailsWhenSilent

``When good men do nothing, evil prevails. It started with a simple act of a young man stealing money. No one stood up and told him it was wrong. It started with an act of him inviting what he thought was pleasing to him, a priest, a holy man, into his house. He never said, micah, this is wrong. Scripture says, this is wrong. Then a whole tribe of soldiers and leaders come into his house. And because of that, it affected a whole generation that would miss out on heaven because no one stood up for what was right. [01:07:15] (45 seconds) #ConsecratedManRises

When good men do something, it makes a difference, I believe. When Marvin and Joyce Whitfield passed by an abortion clinic every day at his new pastor in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he lived in Clinton and he would his church offices right around the corner for all these babies were being murdered and killed. He said, I can't take it anymore. I don't need my 10 shekels and a shirt. I don't need my position. I don't need my salary. I'll resign my big church here in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to start Royal Home Ministries, alternative to abortion ministries. [01:09:52] (36 seconds) #StandingChangesLives

When good men do something, it makes a difference. 450 babies have been saved by that ministry. When a young girl comes to me and says, I can't go to public school anymore, I'm a new Christian. If I go to school there, I run with the wrong crowd. Mr. Leggett, I just got saved when Emmanuel College came through and did a revival. Please can you send me to a private school? We don't have them. When good men stand up, they make a difference. [01:10:36] (40 seconds) #FaithOverFinances

When good men stand up, they can make a difference. You can't be afraid. You can't be afraid of losing your position, of not being comfortable. Be afraid of what? The devil? If the devil walked in that church. I serve a God who's bigger than he is. This is somebody's children. [01:13:06] (18 seconds) #HealingThroughFaith

When good men stand up, God will make a difference. Brooklyn was a young girl that went through our human Trafficking program. And she got up one morning and told the directors, I want to get this tattoo removed off my arm. And they said, why? She said, because it's the initials of my trafficker. And every time I see it, it makes me sick to my stomach. [01:14:17] (24 seconds) #GoodMenAct

When good men do something, they can make a difference. In order for evil to prevail, good men have to do nothing to the men of this church, to the women of this church. And when I say men, I mean good men. I mean men and women. Thank you for standing up supporting Falcon Children's Home. [01:15:29] (22 seconds) #ChurchStandsStrong

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