Someone once commented that its hard to fight an enemy that has an outpost in your head. Of course, this is true. Just the same, most of us know there's more than one fire- fight happening in our internal wars. The battle within is certainly spiritual war-fare. But, it happens on many fronts. Having the armor and weapons is just one part of a winning strategy. Being vigilant is another.
Assessing the spiritual condition of the nation isn't really so difficult. Us preachers usually observe what is happening around us and diagnose the glitch in our national psyche in a phrase: we've left God. That's a good generalization and most of us hold forth in righteous indignation when we proclaim it. Hooray for the brave hearts who stand strong and put it on the line week by week. But, move away from the broad brush characterizations of a nation already down the slippery slope and the going gets tougher. Here's where another skirmish catches us in a dangerous cross fire. Often we're just plain torn by the polarities of our calling---the caring pastor in one corner, the fire-breathing prophet in the other. Surely there's some compulsion to announce His judgment on the crooks in Washington, the loose morals of Hollywood, demon rum over on the corner, or the jack legs running the educational system. Then again, there's the pastoral heart---a fear of offending someone, crossing the moving lines of the supposed separation of church and state, being labeled negative, or worse, appearing intolerant. The "Jesus, Jesus meek and mild" myth that has been super-imposed over pastoral expectations kicks us to the side-lines and warns of us of being fire-brands, extremists, Lord help us, legalists.
Yes, courage could be an issue here too. Talking social issues is a mine-field that we must navigate carefully. However, I really don't believe we've morphed into the most silent church in modern history simply as a result of fear. Sure, most minister types don't have stockpiles of cash or expect to win the lottery this weekend. Maybe it's not true but I heard you have to buy lottery tickets to win!!! Whatever! Payments have to be made, college tuition is around the corner, and the family must eat on occasion. So, there may be some fiscal incentives to skirt issues and land in the safety zone most of the time.
Spiritual spokespersons are called by God, I do pray. Underneath that calling is a reluctance to be a stumbling block to others, a desire to serve the constituency to what he or she is called, a strategic mind that must decide which mountain to die on, and at least a zeal for honoring His name. Usually this calling involves speaking the truth in love, surrounding our words with grace, proclaiming on what builds up and encourages the body, and a long list of biblical imperatives to guide our service. Being quick to listen and slow to speak is a guard, as is making sure what comes out of the mouth emits from a pure heart. Mostly, men of the cloth don't want to sew division or contention among the brethren, or confuse others. For the most part we want to "Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of freedom" (see James 2:12). Underneath reticence may be some spiritual expedience, and not simply fear. To call fellow pastors and mission servants a bunch of cowards might be a little much. Cowards don't do well in ministry.
Speaking to the times involves more than courage, an ear to what God is saying, or an eye to see the world coming apart at the seams. There's the spiritual unction thing too, the calling and gifting of God to influence the world around us in every way possible, including our words. Ours is a God who speaks. He directs His word through those chosen by Him to speak. And, therefore they---no, we---must speak.
Luke recorded an amazing comment by the Apostle Paul as he reached Rome, under guard and facing trial. When Peter and John faced a Jewish tribunal, a legal authority in their times, they declared, "...for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). Paul said, "Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar..." (Acts 28:19). To the Corinthians Paul wrote, "Woes is me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16). It appears the early days of the church were marked by a compulsion to speak truth to the culture.
So, what's the deal? Here's just one mans thoughts. I believe many men and women of God are muzzled by the people they serve, whether a congregation, para-church group, denomination, or mission organization. We certainly don't want to offend the giving base these days. Truth is today secondary to layers of considerations what make us walk a very straight line, avoiding turns to the left or to the right. It's the moral relativism of feet being firmly planted in mid-air and the fear that always accompanies such stances.
"Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don't submit again to the yoke of slavery" (Colossians 5:1).
Stand firm.
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