Should a Christian speak his mind?
Ideas rule the world. So, I believe that if we want to win the world for Christ, then we must...
2 Corinthians 10:5
“Destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
I absolutely believe this is extremely important for all people, but especially Christians. I literally see this verse as my mission statement.
That said, there are many very good reasons to speak out and likewise very bad reasons to speak out. Just as there are good things to say and bad things to say. We live in a time where Christians have been taught to keep quiet about the mores of Christian faith and traditions and how the culture measures up. And at the same time, we're surrounded by multitudes of loud voices with lots to say about a lot of things and sometimes nasty ones at that. It's nearly impossible to have a conversation these days without cursing being involved. Even in my work which involves having professional conversations with clients, I'm sometimes exposed to vulgar language, (mostly from women), there's been a serious shift in our society in how we speak to or about each other.
Don't take this the wrong way, I'm very guilty of doing the same in my private conversations, but never while working. But I am sometimes very taken aback by young women and their filthy mouths, even in public spaces and within professional settings.
At any rate, what's a Christian to do?
Hush up?
Only speak in pleasantries and Christianese languages when having conversations online or in person?
Or can you be authentic and in character with who you really are, and still be a good Christian witness?
Whatever you do, please do it. Don't buy into the popular lie that I hear all too often that you should preach the gospel and if necessary, use words. This idea is tossed around in Churches like it's a commandment. It's nothing of the sort. St. Francis never said first of all, as many like to believe. But more importantly it's not biblical. I mean think about it, how far would Christianity have come if everyone applied that spirit?
On the contrary, speak often and if necessary, lead by example.
1. Throughout the Bible we see that a Christian challenges the current prejudices of a secular or religious society and their many hypocritical views. The Bible commends honest speech tempered with self-control and authentic faith. For instance the prophet Zechariah instructed God’s people: “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another."
Proverbs 6:17 - God hates:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood
It really comes down to your motives. So, a little self-examination will go a long way to removing the plank from your own eye. Truthful speech is a very good sign of a redeemed heart. And honest reflection and confession will always yield a conversation built on truth and wisdom. You don't have to be afraid you're going to offend someone with too much truth. You should be concerned when the truth is thought of as the problem. Just be sure that what you are saying "in truth" is in fact "the truth".
Zechariah 8:17
"Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the LORD.”
2. A Christian is also supposed to disturb the complacent lukewarm masses. That's why the Spirit gifts some with Prophecy, Preaching, and Exhortation.
I was watching a movie last night about the tribulation, the apocalypse, a typical end of the world scenario. And it was interesting to fathom those "Christians" who were left behind. Many of them would say something to the effect of, "I assumed that if I had any desire to be a Christian, God should welcome me with shouts of joy. I had never read or been told that there would be people on judgment day who would be rejected by Christ (Matthew 7:21–23). No one ever told me that people could do a lot of mighty works for God and yet still be lost. Most were convinced they were safe from the wrath of God. These are the ones who did not put Christ first in their lives, if at all. They were lukewarm and loving it.
Throughout the terrible tragedies that were occurring in the movies rendition of the tribulations some would try to make reference to what little they knew about the Bible prophecies having to do with the end times. And they were roundly shouted down by angry agnostic and atheist people. Even in the face of all that was happening, the cultural mores were such that it was all too easy to just poo poo those ridiculous religious beliefs even as they were happening right before their eyes. And when that wouldn't quell the person trying to point out the obvious that was foretold in the scripture, they would call out this God (said with great disdain and mocking hatred for him) for being so unkind and seemingly unjust towards those who were left behind.
At one point they even engaged in self-reflection and confession. Some would admit, sure, God wasn’t their all in all. They never read his word. They didn’t pray very much. They secretly loved sin. A lifestyle of holiness seemed boring to them. They rarely, if ever avowed Him in public or bothered to spend time with him in private. They just assumed God understood. They were only human after all, and no one is perfect, and apparently they like it that way. If they prayed they prayed like a Pharisee. If they served if was mostly self-serving. The duck thinking himself a swan.
If only someone had spoken to them about the consequences of this lukewarm attitude. If only a Christian spoke the gospel to them. If only the church would have explained to them that their lackadaisical attitude about treasuring Christ, about repenting of their sin, and their little to no joyful submission to him, would result in him spiting them out of his mouth.
Revelation 3:15–16
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
If only someone said something. If only they were ready.
3. Christians often obstruct the busy pragmatic nihilists with their objective moral ideals and ethics, questioning the foundations of human nature as shown all about them. Jesus very publicly, throughout all the gospels, confronted errant religious leaders and their value systems. Not to mention giving his thoughts on the general public sentiment on many issues of the day. Much of the New Testament letters, consists of stinging rebukes of sin. And they were literally used in the first century churches to exhort believers and correct false claims that were cropping up from time to time. There's a reason these letters sent by Paul to the churches are still read even today. Imagine that in your own conversations. Imagine a tweet of yours being read in a sermon on a Sunday morning to a crowd of believers two thousand years later. Hope whatever you tweeted was a good one.
The apostle Paul was known for his polemics, as he often argued and engaged with the reigning worldviews of his time. He'd make arguments and present an alternative, biblical worldview. It was his duty, and he did it well.
I believe sharply worded polemics, uplifting satire, and, even sarcasm, can be used by a Christian in such a way that it reflects a faithful Christian witness. Just needs a little self-control.
Self-control, wisdom, love, civility and respect are important features and spiritual fruits that must be strived for and employed often when engaging in these discussions. Mainly self-control. Good manners aren't just saying nice things, it's being virtuous even as you engage in tumultuous conversations. It's staying on Jesus. Keeping your mind on Him as the energy of your potentially nasty thoughts try to escape your mouth. Think of it like this, when a Christian is speaking about the worlds worldviews or Christian worldviews, the speech is like worship. Speak like you're worshiping. It may come off to some as holier-than-thou or preachy, or just plain Bible nerd speak, but it is what it is, the truth. If it's done like worship, you'll be sure that it's His truth and you won't be afraid to speak it when the time comes.
1 Peter 3:15
"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life [the focus of everything you do and say]. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer [your faith and your thoughts as it how it applies in these times], always be ready to explain it. [give your witness in truth and with conviction]" (emphasis mine)
Think about this. At the end of the day, you're really only just arguing with Jesus.
Now...If only I'd take my own advice.
God bless and be blessed in Him, Jesus Christ, the Lord of our witness and the mouth he gave us. May we use it wisely and for his glory.
#JesusIsKing