Jun
12
2015
Speak Up
Posted in Christian Worldview 4 Comments
Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
I thought about that quote the other day.
It reminded me of a grammatical concept.
It was one I studied in school but it was one that took time to master.
Once mastered it was never forgotten.
It was the use of the double negative.
A double negative is the use of two negatives in a single clause.
Informally, it will intensify a negative meaning.
Formally, it is unacceptable.
It is unacceptable because the words have the effect of cancelling each other out.
In essence, two negatives make a positive.
Not to speak is to speak.
Not to act is to act.
Martin Niemoller was a German pastor and theologian during the Nazi Holocaust.
He conveyed the same thoughts in a different way.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.
This is happening is our culture.
People are afraid of offending everyone but God.
People are determined to please everyone but God.
People are quick to follow everyone but God.
Do we really think that God will sit passively by and allow us to undermine His Word?
Do we really believe that we will remain guiltless in His eyes forever?
Do we really think about the repercussions of our social experiments?
Do we even care?
What if we substituted other terms in Niemoeller’s quote?
Matt Staver, Chairman of Liberty Councel, wrote it this way:
First they came for the adoption ministry, but I did not speak up because I did not facilitate adoptions. Then they came for the wedding photographers but I did not speak out because I am not a wedding photographer. Then they came for the florists and the bakers but I did not speak up because I am not a florist or a baker. Then they came for the pastors, but I did not speak up because I am not a pastor. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.
We must see the writing on the wall.
We must go back to the true meaning of tolerance.
It is a willingness to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from your own.
It is a willingness to accept but not necessarily agree with.
We can disagree respectfully, but disagree nonetheless.
If someone says there is no absolute that is an absolute claim.
If someone says there is no truth, they are speaking truth.
There is so much twisting and redefining happening in our culture.
We have to go back to the old playground mentality.
Be nice!
We didn’t all agree on the playground but we were expected to get along.
We were expected to treat others the way we want to be treated.
The Golden Rule still applies.
Treat other people with respect.
Treat other people with compassion.
Treat other people with dignity.
However we do no have to agree with the other person in order to treat them properly.
We can stay who we are and live among others who are different from us.
There was a sign outside a church that caught my eye.
There are many different kinds of crayons in the same box. Get it?
Got it!
Most people get it.
However, we the people have become we the nine Supreme Court justices.
We were never meant to be an oligarchy; yet that is what we are becoming.
Do we realize that when we don’t speak up, there will be no one left to speak?
We will find ourselves living in a world that is unrecognizable to us.
Everything that God instituted is being shaken.
However, no legislation can change God’s order and design.
Where is our courage?
Where is our voice?
Why are we not speaking out for those who are battling alone?
God’s people must become bolder.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28-31)
Do not be afraid.
Speak out because you can.
Speak out because you must.
Speak out for those who are finding that cultural tolerance does not apply to them.
God’s people are not being tolerated!
Should we be surprised?
Jesus was not tolerated.
Jesus told us what to expect.
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:18)
Not to speak is to speak.
Not to act is to act.
Belonging to God means being hated by the world.
Jesus told us it would be that way.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Jesus has overcome the world.
Jesus made it possible for us to overcome the world.
Don’t be afraid.
Speak up so God’s people will be heard above the din.
You’re right, Gina. We do have to speak up, but in love. It’s easy to antagonize those who don’t agree with us, but if we have love in our hearts and they know it, hopefully we can get the message of truth across without alienating people. If someone says I sound judgmental, I tell them to read their Bible–I’m only repeating what it says there.
Yes, Sue it is all about speaking the Truth in love. Keith Green once said, “I’ve never tried to be controversial. The truth is controversial enough.” We are called to speak the Truth and leave the results up to God.
Gina
Thank-you for this blog, dear friend. It spoke to my heart. I also wanted to tell you how much your encouragement has meant to me over these past few weeks. Sometimes in your blog, sometimes in your gentle comments, i have been blessed and encouraged and I do thank you.
Mary Ann, your sweet words mean so much! I do pray for you as you keep watch with the Lord. Only God could connect us through our children, through our love of words, but mostly through our love of Him. Kindred spirits, you and I.
Gina