Speak Out for What’s Right

I don’t know if any of you have noticed how some people straddle the fence on certain issues. I think the reasons vary: Some just don’t want to take a stand for fear of hurting someone else’s feelings. Others are too busy trying to be politically correct. And, still others are afraid of what someone might think of them.

What we should be worrying about is what God thinks of us. As my pastor (Bishop Dale C. Bronner, Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral) says, the only opinion that matters is God’s opinion of you, your opinion of yourself and your opinion of God. (I’m not sure if I have the order correct, but you get my point.) So in keeping that in mind, we must continue to not only do what’s right, but speak out for what’s right.

For instance, you may have a friend who is having sex outside of marriage. (I hope you aren’t thinking, ‘Ut oh, here she goes again talking about sex outside of marriage.’ Hello? You are reading the Single & Celibate blog, remember? :-) As I was saying: Your friend is having sex and he (or she) isn’t married. Although you don’t believe it is right, you haven’t shared your beliefs or God’s desire with your friend. It’s possible that you’ve casually mentioned that you’re waiting to have sex until marriage or are a “born-again virgin.” But you haven’t spoken out.
Why?

Are you afraid of what your friend may think of you? Are you afraid of losing their friendship? Unfortunately, that really isn’t that important in God’s eyes. Oh, I’m not saying to be offensive, judgmental, condemning and hurtful with a holier than thou attitude. But you can – with love, concern and care – relay God’s desire for your friend and others regarding sex outside of marriage. And in the process share God’s love and desire to be their source and savior.

You know, the same applies for other areas. God is against stealing so would you hang out with someone who steals and not speak up? Of course you’re not guilty of doing something wrong in this instance, you just failed to do what’s right. If you know someone is physically abusing their child, or even an elderly parent, would you speak up and call the police or authorities? If not, then you’ve failed to do what’s right.

Resist the urge to do nothing when you can stand up for something.

To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17