2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  KJV

 

There is an ongoing argument in Christendom and the political world that preachers are never to speak to current events, social issues or political things.  Some declare that as believers we should simply be obedient to those that rule over us and remain silent on issues that have political ramifications.  Others contend that if we see the wolf coming to destroy the sheep we should sound the alarm and that includes matters that are deemed political in nature.

Some remain silent because they truly believe they are forbidden to do speak up and speak out in Scripture and have a true heart of desire to be tolerant, loving, kind and gentle exhibiting Christlikeness.  Others truly believe that there is a constitutional mandate that preachers and churches NEVER speak out publicly on matters political regardless of what those issues might be.  Then there are those who remain silent out of FEAR.  Fear of losing favor with the congregation and being ousted as pastor, losing financial security, fear of disfavor in public opinion and/or fear of getting into trouble with the government.

I love it when those who believe we should never speak out against matters that have become political even when they are anti-biblical in their nature, sin according to the Bible and harmful to people, families, communities and freedom use the argument, “What Would Jesus Do?”  I always say, “Yes, let’s talk about what Jesus did and then determine what He would do. Let’s talk about what the disciples did and then determine what God would have us do.”

In Ephesians 5:11 we are instructed, “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them.”  If we refuse to speak out against abortion, homosexuality, the erosion of the family, violating religious liberty and many other matters how are we exposing them?  In fact, it could be argued that we are participating in them by our silence for we have all been taught that silence is consent.  The verb translated “expose” (from elegcho) carries the idea of reproof, correction, punishment and discipline.  Simply, we are instructed in the Bible to confront the wrong.  James 4:17 instructs, “…whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”  Therefore, if I see destruction, harm and evil coming and fail to warn am I not guilty of failing to do what I know is right?

Jesus repeatedly confronted those in power in His day and because of His failing to be politically correct they sought to crucify Him.  He did not sit silently the money changers defiled the Temple.  If we are to truly represent the Lord Jesus Christ in today’s world we must uphold His truths and righteousness without fail.  Today’s world has a twisted view of right and wrong and there is a systematic attempt to so blur the lines of absolutes and discredit or disregard the Bible as our rule of faith and practice.  The Lord repeatedly called for His followers to reject the self-absorbed world that is revealed in political correctness where the foundation of the Word of God is eroded and diluted to meaninglessness.

If we allow a conflicted and confused world that has a drifting moral compass to dictate what we can and cannot say we will find that our message is powerless to that world.  I am stunned at the willingness of many in Christendom to tolerate and even celebrate lifestyles, ideologies and acts that are, according to the Bible, abominable.  The cry for diversity that blurs the lines of truth as recorded in Scripture is not diversity it is delusion and facilitates the depravity of the human heart and mind.  Jesus wants us to “let our lights shine” at all times and if I put my light under a bushel in silence I cannot be “salt and/or light” to the world.  I should NEVER be mean-spirited or vengeful but I should ALWAYS stand firm in the principles and truths revealed in God’s word.

Jesus refused to be silent when he witnessed wrong regardless of where or from whom that wrong came.  The disciples, when ordered by those in authority to remain silent declared, “Whom shall we obey, God or man?”  In Matthew 23:27 Jesus even referred to those violating God’s precepts by wrongful interpretation and edict “whitewashed tombs”.  They looked good on the outside and appeared tolerant and politically correct but inside they produced nothing of redeeming value.

You can argue that I am mandated to obey and remain silent but I do not believe you can back that up with the whole of Scripture.  If as a shepherd I see danger coming to the sheep of my flock I must stand between the flock and the danger.  That would also mean that I must WARN them by sounding the alarm and speaking against the anti-biblical and speaking for the biblical.

Disagree if you please but before you toss out what I say, please take it to the Lord in prayer and be one who examines the Holy Record to see if my argument is truth and worthy of consideration.  Persecution is coming to the American church and we will either cower in fear of stand firm in boldness fearing no man or government.  I fear not what man can do to me but I fear the one who holds my eternal future in His hands.

God bless you as you live this day in Him.