Life for the committed Christian or the opinionated person is pretty dangerous right now. Some of my friends get very nervous when I ask for their opinion about our country, our churches, our faith, the future and raising children. Those same friends assume the duck and run pose when I dare ask about their political opinions in this race.
Political opponents who oppose conservative values have done a great job of demonizing the “individual” rather than the difference of opinions. Political correctness is not freedom and has frightened most conservatives to silence. Some people feel as though they have been duck tapped. Opponents have drawn such a squiggly line on their views that it feels as though their goals and demands are always changing. To be politically correct is like trying to nail jello to the wall.
What’s good for them – sharing opinions, speaking out against others, designing a narrative around their own personal wants, etc.. is somehow wrong for the average person especially if he/she is a conservative. Add to that the actual violence and personal attacks that happen when you share those opinions – and yes….it takes the Biblical strength of David, Samson or Jesus to fight the urge to just keep silent.
I cried last night when I was made aware of several people who would like to comment or share my writings but can’t because they will lose friends, family members or possibly even their job. I prayed for all of them and for others across this country with the same problem.
Families and friends have always disagreed about politics or religion yet found a way to overlook those differences and build on the things they do agree on – like their love for freedom or each other. In this election with the stakes so high – disagreements have taken on a life or death penalty. Many feel like their voice has been silenced.
What is the proper Christian response? ACTION. Actions always speak louder than words. SILENCE. Sometimes silence is more powerful than words.
If God hasn’t called you to speak out, it may not matter what you say. The real impact of your life and your influence will depend on what you do. That message flows like a river through the Bible.
Samaritans would never lower themselves to speak to a Jew. Yet the Good Samaritan showed kindness and helped a Jew even when the priest wouldn’t.(Luke 10:25-37) Abigail saved her family by rushing to give food to David and his army. She did what was right knowing that her husband may punish her. (I Samuel 25) Imagine what Jesus was thinking when he stood silent before Pilate. Giving a lecture on how awful the trial was and how Jesus was going to rise again probably would not have garnished the desired response from Pilate or the envious priests in the court. Even Pilate asked Jesus to speak up. Yet, He remained silent. That powerful silence. I’ve wondered if Jesus was thinking, You will know the truth 3 days from now.
Sometimes it is important for a Christian to keep the relationship by not voicing his/her opinion. It’s a form of maturity and strength to smile and walk the other way. What is important is what you do about the issue.
There is one contradiction to that rule. If God instructs, nudges, pushes or demands that you speak up – not doing so will cause you a problem with God. If you don’t speak up, the soul of the person you should talk to could be in danger. You must always obey the calling of your Heavenly Father. That’s why John the Baptist was eventually beheaded. He was chosen for the path he took. That’s why the disciples were all murdered. They were chosen for the path they took. Other strong Biblical characters were not required to give their life or suffer persecution. And that too was God’s will.
I am both horrified and strengthened by the story of Corrie ten Boom and the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Corrie was a Dutch watchmaker and Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II. She was imprisoned and suffered in a Nazi concentration camp. Dietrich was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident. He made it to the U.S. during WWII but chose to return to Germany to suffer with his people. His writings will stir you to the core.
It is EXTREMELY important that those of us who feel the call to speak out – never hurt the feelings of those who feel they must be silent. We “talkers” should respect their decision and pray diligently that their silence will be powerful!
If those who are silent will continue to read our work, consider the issues and then vote as God tells them to, then God’s will is going to be done. The only way a silent conservative or Christian will miss God’s will is if they ignore the truth and refuse to vote as God wants.
We all have a place in the kingdom of God. We all have a purpose in the events of history. We all can make a difference. Today let’s pray for those who must use their powerful silence to keep their witness alive.
Dear Jesus, your children want to please you. All across this land are people who are praying about their sins, their needs and their desire to be in your will.
We are concerned about the future of this country and we ask that you protect our freedoms and our wonderful America. We know that revival and a new beginning will be harder if our country continues down this path. You are almighty and powerful and you can do this without our help. Yet, as your children we want to stand by your side and be a participant in changing our country.
Please guide those who know it is your will that they speak the truth as often and as honestly as they can. Please help those who disagree with us to accept our friendship and our concern. Please give strength and peace to those who feel they must be silent and please make their silence powerful. Give them the desire to hear our discussions, to pray for us, to pray for our country and to pray for the wisdom to make the right choice when they enter the voting booth. Please give us all a deep understanding of others and their situations.
Please help us to love others as you have loved us and make us one as we continue through this process.
See you tomorrow.