Silence is Compliance

It seems that more and more Christians are keeping their mouth shut when they should be opening it. 

Francie Taylor asked a great question in her book Apply: 

Have we become so afraid of people disagreeing with us that we're willing to forfeit our own conscience?

Christians in general have become so lackadaisical that they're afraid to offend anyone and refuse to speak the truth because who knows what so-and-so might say or think. Why, that other person might even have a different opinion and wouldn't that just be awful! Best not to say anything then.

 I have seen people who know what is right, refuse to speak and instead will actually squash down their conscience because they're so scared of offending. It's like we as Christians have built an altar. This altar represents acceptance - it's human nature to want to fit in and be accepted. On top of this altar we put our beliefs, everything we know that is right, good, and true, and set it all on fire. Sacrificing on the altar of acceptance is a dangerous trap, and it is what Satan desires. I believe the devil wins a big battle when he convinces Christians to stay silent. Who's going to stand up for God, then? When there's an important matter at stake and the side of lies is shouting for all they're worth and the side of truth is silent, that sends the message that the side of truth is compliant. You've probably heard the quote: 

If Satan can’t keep you from being saved, he'll try to keep you from being effective.

A silent, stagnant Christian is not a threat to the devil. 

Non-believers aren't afraid to speak up. Why are Christians? Non-Christians will shove their beliefs down others' throats, especially children. But when a Christian shows up and speaks the truth, suddenly he's being targeted, told to keep silent, and sometimes even threatened. 

I've even seen a struggle amongst Christians regarding this. There's another quote that says, "If the devil can’t steal your soul, he’ll try to silence your witness." Unfortunately, he's gotten some Christians on his bandwagon and is using them to silence other Christians. Here's one example: When a 6-year-old boy shows up at a "Christian" school with his nails painted very femininely, it's not because he wants to be an artist when he grows up and needs to express his artistic talent. It's because his mom did them for him. What that "Christian" school should do is have a clear policy regarding males and females, especially because of the mess surrounding sexes today. A teacher shouldn't get in trouble for telling the boy it's weird that his nails are painted because frankly it is. Culturally in America, painting fingernails is seen as a feminine activity. Therefore, when a guy does it, others will most likely naturally think it's weird and may think some woke transgenderism agenda is being pushed on him. And, since we all know about how confused people are nowadays, why not stay far away from all appearance of evil and encourage little boys into manliness? 

If a "Christian" principle makes excuses for something like this and says it's just his artistic side coming out, and then takes Scriptures out of context to use against the teacher to prove her point, the devil is happy because that principle's witness has already been silenced, and now he's using her to try to silence the teacher. 

Sadly and unfortunately "Christians" will tolerate and accept weird and wrong behavior because talking to the person and speaking the truth might offend them greatly. After all, Christians are supposed to be loving, right? 

Every time I hear someone use Ephesians 4:15 as a support to be "loving," it gives me shivers. At best it's a gross misquoting of Scripture. Here's the verse: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." The first problem is that whoever quotes this most likely only knows the first 5 words of this verse. So, let's look at the context. The previous verses are talking about how God gave some people apostles, some people prophets, some people evangelists, some people teachers, and some people pastors, all for the perfecting of the saints and for edification until we all (Christians) come in unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, so that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. 

Paul paints a picture of maturity, unity, and love - where we grow out of spiritual immaturity, avoid being misled, and become solid, Christ-centered people who support each other like parts of a healthy, functioning body. Instead of being like the wind, be discerning. Test what you hear - online, from others, or even your own thoughts - against Scripture. Don’t fall for things that sound spiritual but aren’t grounded in Christ. 

Speaking the truth in love means to be honest, but kind. Don’t avoid hard conversations. I think many times people are quick to say the phrase but then actually never speak the truth. It's almost like love has come to = permissiveness. But love does not = permissiveness, acceptance, or tolerance.

 If you saw a blind person was about to step into a pit of venomous vipers, wouldn't you shout and run as fast as you could to snatch him back? That would show love. It would be most unloving to say, well, they might get hurt if I pull him back too aggressively........what if I accidentally step on his toe or break his arm? He'll probably be offended at me if I shout for him to stop. 

 Love doesn’t mean agreeing with everything; it means caring enough to speak truth honestly, with humility, and with compassion. 

In the midst of a confused world, aren't you thankful and glad God has given us his Word that transcends cultures and time periods? We know the truth.  

I actually heard a recent poll was done among Bible-believing Christians and was shocked and saddened to hear that 62% said there's no absolute truth. 

But there is. Like I said, it's in the Bible. 

God created male and female. They each have distinct roles but complement each other and work together beautifully when inside of God's design. 

There is right and wrong and it's intuitive in each person. 

There is only one God and only one right way to heaven. 

Every person is created in God's image, and no one has the right to casually take another person's life. (Not talking about matters of the law or killings in self-defense.)

Skin color and different cultures are not separators. We are all part of one human race.

Millions of years is a lie and so are teachings about monkey ancestors. God is the creator.

The devil is working hard to distort everything that is good, true, and beautiful, and he's out looking for those whom he can devour. Stay alert. Stand up for righteousness. Don't be afraid to speak up with humility and compassion. It's not the time for Christians to be wobbly and remain silent because of fear of offending. The fact of the matter is that truth will offend. The Bible is not a pool noodle. It's a sword. If a sword pierced you, you'd definitely be uncomfortable. If you get hit with a pool noodle it doesn't hurt at all. There are truths and beliefs worth fighting for so use the sword - not a pool noodle. We all need wisdom in this day to fight against the wiles of the devil, so make sure to stay in your Bible. And when we lack wisdom, let's ask God to help us.

"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid." ~ Ronald Reagan