I Must Confess That I Sometimes Have Spiritual Laryngitis

 

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a socialist.  Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist.  Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew.  Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak out for me.”

– Martin Niemoller

  
These words were written by a pastor imprisoned in Dachau, one of the three concentration camps in Germany, for publically opposing the Fuhrer and his agenda.  He shared these thoughts after his liberation from Dachau at the end of WW II.  They were an indictment of the Church’s unwillingness to speak out earlier in Hitler’s rise to power… and an admission that, ultimately, even good people can be complicit in evil deeds by their own inaction.  Silence in the face of evil can lead to our own destruction as well. 

So why am I sharing such a dark quote when I normally seek to lift people?  Because I’m hoping that this quote WILL lift people... out of their indifference.
These words aren’t only true when discussing governments and civil authorities.  They should serve as a reminder that as Christians we’re called to speak out.  We are called to be a voice for the voiceless.  We are called to be speak the truth of the Gospel.  We are called to speak out against that which is unjust, and speak truth to worldly power AND personal sin.  Most importantly, we are called to speak out FOR the things that Christ teaches will give light and life.  But too often we remain silent.  And we’re not only silent in words.  Our actions, or lack thereof, make us mute as well.  It's as if we're claiming a sort of spiritual laryngitis... "I want to speak/ live the truth of the Gospel but I just can't right now."  

In part, I think this may be because we convince ourselves that other people's problems occur because of their choices.  Problems only befall US because Satan is after us for being righteous.  Which Jesus does say will happen when we really are getting it right.  But just as often, the problems we encounter are a result of our own choices.  If I could add one line to Rev. Niemoller's missive, it would be, "Then they came for the sinners, and I did not speak out -- because I did not think I was a sinner."  That would bring the examination of the truth of our own inaction and indifference into an uncomfortably sharp focus.  It reminds us that false assumptions about our own righteousness, lead to a destructive pride which keeps us from living some pretty important parts the Gospel because of an us vs. them mentality that only leads to death.

What do I mean?  Here is a short (and by no means complete) list of examples:

• We shouldn’t help them… we’ve got our own problems. 
• We shouldn’t get involved… we can’t help everyone after all. 
• We can’t speak out about destructive behaviors impacting our culture… people might think we’re trying to push our beliefs on them. 
• We can’t speak about self-centered actions in churches… we may offend the givers and we need them. 
• We can’t welcome active sinners into our congregations… they should find some other church that is better for them.
• We can’t tell people that certain types of music, movies and television shows are harmful to their spirits and try to guard their hearts… others might call us judgmental.  (Besides which, we secretly enjoy them too.)
• We can’t keep our teenagers from attending private (segregated) dances even if we know that we should… we don’t want them to feel alienated.  (Even though that’s exactly what other teens are made to feel when they are excluded.  And yes, sadly, this is still a reality in some areas of the country.)

Here is a hard truth church...

If we remain silent long enough… and deny the command to proclaim the righteousness, lordship, and LOVE of Christ Jesus (a.k.a. the Gospel news) in our actions as well as our words… there will come a day when not even He will speak out on our behalf.

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7: 22-23 (NKJV)

Now here is the uplifting news.  That day has not come yet.  The opportunity for repentance and change haven’t passed us by so far.  The time for exchanging your life and living for the abundant life that Christ offers hasn’t already been lost.  The moment to raise your voice in declaring righteousness that belongs only to the perfectly righteous King, even in your imperfection, is now.  Don’t wait until there is no one left to speak out when Evil comes to take you.  In the words of Toby Mac... Speak Life!  But then be sure to LIVE it as well.

Your servant in Christ,

Chris