Some time ago, I talked about letting love be our highest goal in order to maintain relationships with our loved ones and friends in a polarized culture, even within the body of Christ. However, I clarified that I wasn’t suggesting we pretend to agree with wrong interpretations of the Bible or continue going to a church that embraces wrong interpretations in order to maintain relationships. I’d like to elaborate a little more on that today.

When we were foster parents, the CYS director told us the law said children in foster care were to be returned to their biological parents at all costs. Later, our foster son’s counselor said  the law actually stated that all reasonable efforts were to be made to return children to their homes. Quite a difference.

In the same way, I’m not suggesting we have a “peace at any price” attitude about maintaining relationships with those we love. The apostle Paul says in Galatians 2:11, When Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. If we are going to be faithful to Christ and His Word, we will undoubtedly find ourselves in situations where it’s necessary for us to confront someone, regardless of how dear they may be to us. Confrontation is not an indication of lack of love.

Recently a friend told us someone quoted scripture in a small group setting. Immediately, someone else responded, “Did Jesus say that or did someone else say that?” We are, indeed, on a slippery slope when we begin to discount the teachings of the Bible unless they are the words of Jesus. Although my friend and many others were shocked at the man’s words, not a single person spoke up.

What hinders us from speaking up when we disagree? Fear and intimidation are two of the front runners. Perhaps the person speaking has more education than we do or is highly respected. We fear being put down or made to look foolish. I was once a visitor in a Sunday School class being taught by the pastor of the church. He made statements I disagreed with on a subject about which I’m passionate. My heart pounded and my mouth became dry. I couldn’t keep silent and be faithful to the truth. When the pastor paused, I said quietly, “I disagree,” and respectfully gave my reasons.

When I opened my mouth, I didn’t know how I would be treated—if I would be ridiculed, shamed, or condemned for my beliefs. The risk is always there, and we need to be willing to take the consequences if the Holy Spirit is prompting us to take a stand. Erwin Lutzer in his excellent book, “The Church in Babylon” says, I’ve heard it said that most college students are not talked out of their faith, they are mocked out of it. Shamed into silence. We’re living in a day when it’s becoming less and less acceptable to disagree with the status quo. In the past, Americans valued freedom of speech, and the dictum, I disagree with what you say, but I will fight to the death to defend your right to say it often ruled. But with the coming of political correctness, that dictum often no longer applies.

Here is the irony. The censurers, who are all too ready to deny freedom to those who disagree with them, are perceived by our culture as ‘tolerant,’ whereas those who express differing views are ‘intolerant.’ In others words, the philosophy of the left is ‘preach tolerance, but practice intolerance against anyone who has the courage to express an opposing point of view.’ (The Church in Babylon)

It’s not pleasant to be shamed and condemned, but if we’re unwilling to risk shame and condemnation for speaking the truth, how will we stand if real persecution comes? May the words of the Lord to Joshua give us courage to stand for truth and righteousness at the appropriate time and place:

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

FLASHBACK FRIDAY – I chose this blog for Flashback Friday because it is even more applicable today than it was when I first wrote it in 2018.