How to Stand in the Gap

I will stand in the gap for my neighbor to defend gospel justice for the marginalized.

Via The Joshua Commission

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” - Isaiah 6:8

Many debates exist as to who is marginalized and what is justice. Today, let’s talk about the skill of standing in the gap. 

Step 1: See the Marginalized. This is step one because most of us don't. We walk past. We avert our eyes. We justify our inaction with reasonable excuses. Standing in the gap begins with stopping. Looking. Acknowledging that another human being is suffering or marginalized or voiceless. See them. Not with pity. With recognition of their image-bearer status. See them as your neighbor.

Step 2: Move Towards the Marginalized. Proximity matters. You cannot defend the marginalized from a distance. Have conversations. Show up. This might mean volunteering at a shelter. Spending time with prisoners. Learning the names of your homeless neighbors. Attending your neighbor's court hearing. Getting involved in your community's foster system. Moving toward requires discomfort and risk, exactly what a Kingdom Man is called to do.

Step 3: Use Your Voice. You have a platform, a job, relationships, influence. The marginalized don't. Proverbs 31:8 says to "speak up" and "judge fairly." This means using whatever authority or position you have to advocate. Write a letter. Make a call. Show up at the meeting. Correct the injustice when you see it. Your voice in the room might be the only one standing in the gap.

Step 4: Use Your Resources. Money, time, skills, connections. The marginalized need practical help. Jesus didn't just preach to the poor: He fed them. He healed them. He provided. If you have resources and a marginalized person is in need, the gap you're meant to stand in might be financial. Give. Share. Provide. This is the law of love made material.

Step 5: Do the Hard Thing. Standing in the gap costs something. It cost Isaiah his reputation. It cost Ezekiel his comfort. It may cost you too. You might lose friends who don't understand your commitment to justice. You might be called names. You might be inconvenienced. You might have to say no to something comfortable to say yes to someone marginalized. That's the cost. That's also the calling.

Step 6: Find Others. You cannot stand in all the gaps alone. Find other Kingdom Men. Work together. Stand together. When one man stands in the gap, it's courage. When ten men stand in the gap, it's a movement. When a hundred men stand in the gap, it's the Church doing what the Church was always meant to do: sanctuary for the defenseless and the broken hearted.

THE KINGDOM MAN’S CREED

I am a Kingdom Man. I am created by God to bear His image. I am a son and viceroy for my Fathers work. I am a warrior, lover, teacher and king.

I am a Kingdom Man. Like Joshua, I will be strong and courageous. I will train my mind and body for the battles to come. I will discipline my heart, eyes and tongue to be steadfast and faithful to the calling on my life.

I am a Kingdom Man. If a husband, I love and serve my wife, if a father, a loving father to my children. I will love and lead them as Christ loves the Church. If a brother, uncle, guardian, mentor or friend, I will give honor in all of my relationships. I will lead, teach, correct and train in the spirit of righteousness.

I am a Kingdom Man. I am called to break down barriers and free others from strongholds. I am a Peace Maker. My armor is Truth, Righteousness, Grace and Humility. I will stand in the gap for my neighbor to defend gospel justice for the marginalized. 

I am a Kingdom Man. God is my provider. He has given me gifts and talents to exemplify Him with the work of my hands. I will work with diligence and excellence. My labor will be honest and its fruits purposeful.

I am a Kingdom Man with a Kingdom vision. Commissioned by Christ. My life is the Father’s. I am intentional. I will grow in my faith, be consistent in my actions and leave a legacy worthy of the race I have run.

I AM a Kingdom Man!