Defining Moments

Don’t be Shy!

Sometimes it’s risky to speak your mind, especially if you have a mind dedicated to the cause of Christ. Although we live in a country that prides itself on “free speech,” certain biblical speech is being labeled “hate speech” and here in California, a bill is being pushed that would outlaw the public mention of the notorious passages of Scripture.

So, the day may come (as it has in some other countries) when a pastor faces stiff fines and/or jail time for teaching the full counsel of God’s Word. Those attempting to gag Christians when it comes to speech with which they disagree are unfortunately making headway. But, for now, our penalty for speaking the truth is more subtle, administered by angry anti-God and anti-Christian zealots rather than by the government. Regrettably, many of these “zealots” would not stand out in line at the grocery store or at a meeting of the PTA.

Today, it seems that a growing number of common folk are becoming bold about their disdain for people of faith—especially the Christian faith. Some hide behind the anonymity of the internet as they spew vitriol over simple God-related comments made by the likes of me. Though I shouldn’t be surprised anymore, it still sends a shock up my spine when I see myself described in very uncharitable terms by someone I don’t know who didn’t like my expression of biblical truth. One recently accused me of taking the title “Pastor” so that I could “brainwash my flock.” He called me a “right-wing Bible-thumper” and—I guess just for good measure—a “racist!”
My speaking up for Jesus over the years has garnered the ire of everyone from teens to little old ladies. I once engaged in a debate with a couple of atheists in front of an audience of over 100 “Free Thinkers” (a group of atheists who limit their free thinking to exactly what their fellow free thinkers tell them to think). I’ll never forget the face of the kindly-looking, elderly lady in the front row, transforming to a steely glare only a disgusted grandmother could give, when I defended biblical morality and moral absolutes. She just hated the idea that not she, but God, is the transcendent Law Giver of the Universe.

You’ll find that when you’re not shy about what you believe, most opponents will not enter into a civilized dialogue—willing to discuss the finer points of their disagreement. They will simply get angry and launch ad hominem attacks against you. That’s what people do when they don’t have an argument. Name-calling evidently makes them feel better about being wrong.

Sadly, fear of unflattering labels or being disliked is enough to lead many Christians to clam up about what should be the most important aspect of their lives. Some very talkative believers, who wax eloquent on important topics like favorite foods or football, go mute when it comes to controversial, spiritual things. Would Christianity have survived two millennia if our predecessors practiced such timidity? It doesn’t seem so. But, knowing God, He would have found a way.

The Bible contains a number of examples of individual cases that—had the protagonist kept quiet or denied the Truth—logically could have resulted in history not allowing for the continued existence of our faith as we know it. But, again, God would have found another way. We might never have known the name of the person who didn’t speak up, but another name would have been there in its place.

One person not forgotten is Queen Esther. When her time came to speak, her wise cousin Mordecai assured her: “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place…” (Esther 4:14 emphasis added). But Esther would have not only lost the personal the benefits of speaking up; she would have suffered the consequences as well.

God’s plan will be carried out and He gives you opportunities, nearly every day, to play a role in accomplishing it. Don’t be shy! You may be insulted or worse, but as Mordecai went on to remind Esther: “…who knows whether you have come… for such a time as this?” (ibid.). This could be your time!

“Do not be afraid but speak and do not keep silent; for I am with you”
─Acts 18:9,10 nkjv