Silence is Golden … or is it?
Silence is golden…or is it? As a father of four, there are very few days in our home that have been silent, especially in the early years. I remember one afternoon we were sitting in the living room talking with a missionary and the kids were being extremely quiet. After a little while, I told my wife we should probably go upstairs and check on them. She said, “Let’s just enjoy it, they are fine.” After several more minutes, my fatherly instincts would not allow me to sit any longer. I made my way upstairs to find them “ice skating” in our daughter’s bedroom. They had taken Vicks VaporRub and covered the wood floor and their feet for a great afternoon of fun!!
Silence is not always good! Silence is often a way out. Silence is a way to neglect our responsibilities as a mentor or boss. Silence is an excuse not to fulfill what Scripture says about the older teaching the younger. Silence is a way for us to “trust God” and not have those important conversations with our children.
When Eve was tempted in the garden by the serpent, Adam (who was most likely with her) remained silent. When Sarai failed to believe the promises of God, Abram remained silent. When his children got involved in immorality and sin, David remained silent.
The opposite is also true. When Nabal cursed David, Abigail determined it was not best for her to remain silent. When Job’s wife told him to curse God and die, he knew he could not remain silent. His response is golden, “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”
So how do we know when we should or should not respond?
1. We need to speak up when no one else will.
In a day when everyone is right and no one is wrong, it is easy to remain silent. Truth is relative and what right do we have to call out or correct someone else?
Truth is not relative; it is revealed in God’s Word. When God gives us a platform to reveal the truth to someone who is neglecting it we must speak. These conversations are not easy. It is much easier to remain silent, but someone must speak the truth.
Biblical example:
Book of I Timothy
2. We need to speak up in the right manner.
Reach Out. Often the best way to do this is by asking a question. For instance: “Hey, I was wondering how you are getting along? You just don’t seem like yourself lately. I have been praying for you. Is everything ok?” By reaching out in this way you are letting them know you are concerned and ready to talk if they are.
Rebuke. There are times when a person needs to be rebuked. Webster defines rebukes as, “To scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent, or to express disapproval of.” This is when we sit down with someone and express our concerns about their actions or behavior.
Reprimand. As leaders or people in authority, we shy away from this one as often as we can. Yet reprimands can end up being beneficial for the person and your team. It can also cause hard feelings and hatred. This doesn’t change the fact that it must be done at times.
Biblical Examples:
Bad- Peter rebuking Jesus
Good- Paul rebuking Peter
3. We need to speak up but in love.
In his commentary on Colossians, John MacArthur says, “The speech of the new man must also be seasoned… with salt. It is not only to be gracious but also to have an effect. Salt can sting when rubbed into a wound (cf. Prov. 27:6). It also prevents corruption. Believers’ speech should act as a purifying influence…”
I received an email several years ago from a lady who informed me of the “heresy” I was preaching. She said it was her calling to straighten out and correct pastors in our area for their false teaching. That is not what I am talking about! Your desire to speak up should come from a spirit of grace and love.
Biblical Example:
Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos under their wings and discipled him (explained the way of God more accurately).
HAVE YOU BEEN SILENT TOO LONG?
Who needs your voice in their life?
Treg Spicer is pastor of Faith Baptist Church – Morgantown, WV. Follow his blog here. We republish his articles by permission.
Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash