Contributing Writer: Irvine Saint-Vilus

In today's society, it is much more comfortable and painless to follow the crowd than to stand up for what you believe in, especially if that means doing so at a cost to a person's livelihood or even their life. The brave souls who choose to take a stand against wrong or an injustice often find their position is unpopular and even lonely.

In Scripture, John the Baptist had the depth of character and fortitude to rise to the occasion. In Mark 6:14-29, John the Baptist encountered this very issue, and the price cost him his very life. John, the Elijah of his day, paved the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus. In Mark 6:20, he is exclaimed to be a "just and holy man." John spoke out against the unlawful marriage of King Herod and Herodias.

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Irvine Saint-Vilus

Irvine is a published author, worship leader, instructor, and speaker. Over the past two years, she worked as an instructional assistant helping autistic students in the school system. Irvine also had the privilege of working as a chaplain in a hospital setting, which allowed her to minister to patients, staff and work in a team environment where collaboration and accountability were essential. Irvine received a Bachelor's degree in English at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; a Master's degree in Divinity, and a School Counseling degree at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

This devotional was submitted by Irvine Saint-Vilus, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.