Stand Up and Be Counted

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Be Prudent, Not Pushy, in Presenting Change
5:1On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3 Then the king asked,“What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” 4“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther,“let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.” 5“Bring Haman at once,” the king said,“so that we may do what Esther asks.”(Est 5:1-5)
She used her head more than her heart in her preparation.
Her weapons of war were gentleness, patience and wisdom.
She was motivated by reason
She wanted to gain the king’s trust
Be Peaceable, Not Provoked, in Preparing Change
9Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. 10 Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home.(Est 5:9-10)
Thomas a Kempis said, “When anger enters the mind, wisdom departs.”
Be Patient, Not Personal, In Pushing Change
Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, 11 Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. 12“And that’s not all,” Haman added.“I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. 13 But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” 14 His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him,“Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the gallows built.(Est 5:10-14)
2Timothy 2:23-24says, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”