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In the Silence

As I have prayed this week about what to write, an old show-tune came into my mind and stuck. It’s called “Learning to be Silent” and is from the musical “Footloose.” In the song, two mothers express how they have learned to avoid conflict by keeping their thoughts to themselves. I can definitely identify with these lyrics well, although I still find myself speaking out of turn and chastising myself later for not keeping my mouth shut.

Well, in church today, the message was about witnessing. The fact is, we are a witness for what we believe. What we say and do, or what we don’t say and do, determines if we are a good witness, a bad witness, or even half-hearted. 

My thoughts immediately went back to the lyrics of the song in my head. And God spoke. I’ve learned to be silent my whole life. The fact is that my silence may cost someone a blessing or knowledge of the Truth that I carry inside of me.

But as I stood there in silence— not even speaking of good things— the turmoil within me grew worse. Psalms‬ ‭39‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT

The world around us is a tumultuous place. We can no longer  depend on people in power to be truthful and honest. Sometimes, even those in spiritual authority stumble. It is our job, Church, to speak the Truth of God in love to this dark, fallen world. 

Jesus is coming back, and there are people who don’t believe that He is the Son of God. Waiting for someone else to share this truth is like playing with fire. We are not promised tomorrow. I don’t want someone dying on my watch without knowing in whom I have found hope and a future.

Does this cause controversy? Absolutely. But Jesus didn’t just come to bring peace. His Truth brings separation of darkness and light.

Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus makes this bold statement to His disciples because He knows that the Truth of God cuts to the very core of what we believe. And if our beliefs don’t line up directly with the Word of God, then we will find ourselves in the silence of darkness. We may not have conflicts with anyone, but do they know Jesus? Are we doing what we can in the days we have on earth to know Him and make Him known?

This week I challenge you to speak out for truth. Speak up for injustice. Defend your faith in love when necessary. Whatever you say and do this week, may it all be for the glory of God.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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