silence

This morning in my quiet time I heard the Lord say “One of the most stifling things of the Church is the silence satan demands there. No complaints against injustice are allowed there, no guidance of discernment . . . just the evil betrayal of truth under the guise of friendship and fellowship. While the martyr’s blood cries out for its long-awaited vindication Christians shrink back at the fear of being thought less of because of their words. Is it so great a thing to be accepted in the eyes of fellow brethren that you would break fellowship with those bound by truth . . . those predecessors of your faith who preserved Christ’s words for you?”

Often the Lord contrasts what is good with what is not. Using the martyr’s example of steadfastness in the face of true persecution shows us God’s gold-standard of holding Truth in high esteem. Truly unity is to be desired, yet it is accomplished by yielding to the Holy Spirit, that Spirit of Truth Who brings such sweet fellowship into the minds of Man. Silence is only a thin veneer over rotting wood (fear of men), appearing lustrous until the structure itself gives way to the decay within.

God builds structures that last, eternally. He builds with truth, written and spoken. He champions His cause through men and women . . . even children . . . who do not value others above Himself. And herein lies a dividing line; will we seek after those who promise acceptance for the price of our silence, who with their words seek to put our faith in a safe and peaceful place? Or will we follow the voice of One who knits us together with brethren by the Life of His Spirit, spanning the boundaries of Time and borders of countries to form one body, His Bride?

Why does silence have such a hold over Christians, and why does this have its root in our very being? Many are silent because they do not want to sin by slander. Yet slander has its root in the heart that seeks to do wrong. Speaking against evil and error has its root in a heart that wants to do right. We see that Jesus upheld the persistent widow who was wearing the indifferent judge out with her complaints against the injustice done to her (Lk 18:2-8). Her vindication came because she actively, verbally pursued it. In the parable of the unforgiving servant, the Master took action to correct the evil servant because his fellow-servants complained against him (Mt 18:31). In the Old Testament we see that God took action against Sodom after hearing the complaints against the city (Gen 18:20). And in Ezekiel the prophet was shown a vision of an angel who marked those who “grieved and lamented” over the detestable things done . . . these were spared judgment (Ez 9:4).

While we don’t want our hearts to grow evil against those in error and sin, we also do not want to be found accepting their wrong ways under the pretense of unity or love. Silence creates a sameness between unclean and clean, truth and error, and right and wrong. Our churches are becoming stifled by the demands silence makes, and the culture that creates smooth relationships for the purpose of being accepted by one another. Today, let us be honest in our hearts about those things that are offensive to the Spirit of God within us. Though it may seem to be a bold move on our behalves, let us seek to create an honesty within our congregations that gives birth to discernment. And let us pray for wisdom to work out God’s counsel, once received. I believe God would heartily attend all such gatherings, bringing growth and true unity to the body. Amen.