Why Boldness and Arrogance in the Church Won’t Cut it in These Dire Times
I recently attended an event for pastors sponsored by Turning Point USA Faith. One of the speakers made an incredible statement.
He said that “we can no longer remain silent while the bride of Christ is being raped.”
Does that statement jar you? It should! The level of decadence and deception in our nation demands a strong rebuke: “I have written more boldly to you on some points” (Rom. 15:15).
To be raped is to be forced into something against our will, and that is exactly what is happening today.
The City on the Hill is Being Trashed
Some may say, “But Shane, Christianity has always been exposed to wickedness all around her.” True, but we aren’t in North Korea or Iraq, or even in early Rome. In America, we have been given an extraordinary gift to steward—at least for now.
Has God not withdrawn His gracious hand because of compromise, capitulation and cowardliness? I believe that He has.
Silence Speaks Volumes
As I wrote in Only the Pulpits Have the Power to Change America: “If we don’t stand for those who have no voice, then who will? If we don’t encourage God’s Word in all areas of life, who will? Silence is not a virtue when the innocent are hurting and suffering.”
I’m in no way endorsing “Christian nationalism,” but I am endorsing Christian influence via humility. Saying nothing is saying something—silence speaks volumes.
Kids in the Crosshairs
A significant area where people are being forced against their will is in the area of sexualizing children. When a sexually deviant cultural movement shapes kids as well as curriculum, they are clearly in the crosshairs.
Although there are some incredible leaders within school districts, what many are doing is nothing short of child abuse. Let that sink in! There is no reason anyone needs to help kids as young as three with their “gender journey.” I don’t have words strong enough to condemn this type of illicit perversion.
Jesus Wants Us to Remain Silent. Say What?
Many school boards, districts, governmental leaders and politicians have the souls of the innocent on their hands. Something must change. When we approve of pedophilia and groom children for it (think “trans story hour”), we are morally depraved and spiritually lost. And you think Jesus wants us to remain quiet?
Matthew 18:6 rings true with resounding clarity for us today: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” God help us, because only He can!
Woke but Worse Off
Another main area where we are being forced against our will is with wokeness, which is political correctness repackaged. It doesn’t cure racism, it fuels it. It doesn’t lead people closer to God, it draws them away. Progressives aren’t progressing if they’re departing from God’s Word.
Woke America hates the true God and hates this incredible nation that God established. This is why they’re trying to shame us into silence by labeling us or by defining us according to skin color. We may be “woke,” but we are worse off.
Jesus Wasn’t a Wimp
The go-to excuse to remain silent and neutral is to say that Jesus was silent on political issues and that we are to simply love others, share peace and turn the other cheek.
Although we should err on the side of grace and be filled with love and grace, we cannot avoid passages where Jesus said that living out the true gospel would bring a sword (spiritually speaking), and divide homes and communities. Although love is a by-product of being filled with the Spirit, so is boldness.
As far as politics, Jesus’ teaching affects ALL areas of society. He was a prophet that shook the entire world, including political systems. Government is God’s idea (Rom. 13).
Those who desire the light will always be at odds with those who enjoy the darkness, see Matthew 10:34-36.
There is No Neutral Ground
People hate Christians for what we stand for. There is no neutral ground. If the abortion industry, George Soros, most of the media, Washington and Hollywood are on your side, are you sure that you’re on the right side?
Granted, the truth will offend, but our attitude shouldn’t. How are you doing in this area? Speaking the heart of God flows from a reservoir of brokenness and time spent with Him. Some readers may need to repent because they’re confusing arrogance with boldness, while others need to repent of apathy.
Who Can Stop God?
Don’t let what’s happening frustrate, anger, demoralize or paralyze you. I too have experienced all of those emotions but we must ask: Who can stop God Almighty?
We can make a difference and defend those who are being forced against their will. The victim can become victorious. You + God = the majority! You’ll be amazed at what God does with humility and boldness.
Listen to the audio version here. {eoa}
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California. More can be found at shaneIdleman.com, and free downloads of his books are available at wcfav.org. Visit him on Facebook and subscribe to his podcast.
