Why Speak Out?

Some say that to openly condemn actions such as abortion, sexual immorality, and lawless violence – or to voice support for leaders who stand on the right side of these issues — is to “get political,” and to “offend people, when we should just be sharing the gospel.” But if we as God’s ambassadors on earth won’t talk about the issues that really matter, who will? If the Bible addresses a particular topic that keeps surfacing in public discourse, who is better qualified to bring truth into the discussion but God’s people?

Christians have long been persecuted for speaking the unpopular truth, but they know that it ultimately saves lives and sets people free. American Christians of the 1700s found courage to stand up against the tyranny and injustice of their day, ultimately sacrificing their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to create a new, free nation. Many pastors, teachers, and public figures took a public stand then, and many lost their lives, property, and businesses. Would the Constitution and the rights it guarantees have ever happened if these brave souls had not taken a vocal stand?

We should not ignore this legacy. Their outspoken courage should inspire us to endure hardship and ridicule as they did. Though persecuted, we will patiently “speak the truth in love” and rescue the unwitting prisoners of the enemy.
(Leviticus 5:1, Proverbs 31:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:23-26, 2 Corinthians 5:19-20, Matthew 7:6, Zechariah 8:16, 2 Timothy 3:11-13, Ephesians 4:15,25, James 5:19-20)