Augghhhh!

In this climate of some really bitter hatred and mocking in the world, (even among professing believers), how should we be responding? Should we walk on by? Sometimes it might be better. Some believers feel since we’re not of this world, we should stay silent. I don’t necessarily believe that is true at all, especially in light of the great evil we live in today (and to be clear, the murder of little innocent babies is just one of the great evils). What we do have to do is remember to prayerfully try to keep our speech seasoned with grace and salt (Col 4:5-6). We must use wisdom, have the law of kindness on our tongue, as well as truth. I also ruminate about the plain fact that God is a God of justice — so we cannot just stay quiet, (but please do try to pray before you speak — talking to myself too).

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. Deut 32:4

There were a lot of men and women of God who spoke at the right time and in wisdom with godly judgment. There are plenty of examples in the Bible of those who stood up against wrong and did what was right. Some failed in the process, yet God still used them. God appointed both Kings and Judges as well as Prophets and common people to speak for Him as to what was righteous. Some were good Kings or judges and some not. Many risked a lot to speak out or even act. Think on Deborah, Jael, Esther, Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, or the Jewish Midwives who wouldn’t kill the Israelite babies. Women who were praying people who gave birth to children who would end up speaking for God. Hannah and Samuel, or Jochebed and Miriam’s place in the life of son/brother Moses from a child on. (Even Pharaoh’s daughter had to rebel against her father’s murderous edict by pulling an Israelite baby out of the water). Joseph, Job, Elihu, Daniel, David, Solomon, Phinehas, Moses, Aaron, Gideon, Abraham, all the Prophets and even the donkey ☺ (I was reminded by someone using that analogy the other day. I smiled because my friend I assume was speaking of Trump. But yes, God can use anyone, and so even in the craziest of circumstances, we need to take heart, God is not impotent.

Don’t let those who are unkind, carnal or even perverse make you quit speaking. Just don’t strive against foolish questions (2 Tim 2), nor in their manner. Some are being driven by a different spirit, so we need to have compassion on them yet stand strong. Some may simply feel differently than you. Don’t become arrogant yourself, try to stay humbled under the mighty hand of God, and where we can, live peaceably with others.

I am reminded about the seven things God hates in Proverbs 6. A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood (think of abortion here). A heart that devises wicked plans, feet swift to evil, false witnesses who speak lies and those who sow discord among brethren. We should always speak up for what is right, but we should try to temper that with wisdom from God’s Word. Don’t use the same tactics as others who bully, mock or even are hateful.

Think of Daniel with Nebuchadnezzar, David with Saul, or Paul with the philosophers on Mars Hill. They spoke truth, but it was tempered with prayer and spiritual wisdom. Some excuse their brashness or mocking and bring up Jesus calling the Pharisees vipers (Matt 12 is one example of it). But I’m not Jesus, and I cannot read people’s minds, hearts and motives, as He did.  So, if you are one of those who have used that, I’d hesitate before you compare yourself to Him. Our words and the way we deliver them matter and might cost someone their eternity. So while we do need to speak against injustice, make wise choices and be a responsible citizen, we also need to remember where our citizenship is and bring some along with us to heaven in the process.

Remember whatever you see, there is going to continue be a lot of hatred and unkindness going on in these last days. Remember, it’s a spiritual battle and shouldn’t become one of flesh and blood. We need to have on our armor, being strong in Him and in the strength of His might, and finally ‘having done all to stand’ (Eph 6:10-18).

Keep praying, Keep speaking the truth in love. Don’t let rudeness, cursing, hateful name calling and mocking get to you. Hold up your shield of faith. Take heart, and revive your dusty soul with His Word.

My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your Word.
My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your Word. 

Psalm 119:25,28

God bless each and every one of you regardless of differing views on things, let’s keep striving to have His view in all things. Love in Christ.