Healing in the Quiet
“8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:8-11)
Recently my husband and I served in our church nursery. Two of the toddlers entered into a dispute about who had the cooking toys and food first. This resulted in pushing and shoving and yes, tears! As we tried to unravel the situation to figure out who had the “right” to the toy, it became clear to me that it really did not matter who had the right. Both wanted their own way and would be satisfied with nothing less. That is when it became evident that a distracting, new activity was in order. Something to make them forget. Something more positive to focus on was just the ticket for unity and peace.
Like many of you, I have had feelings and opinions about the election. But does my “right” to an opinion produce a positive result? Are the hurting healed by my opinion? Is Jesus glorified and His kingdom advanced by what I think? Definitely not!
As Christians, we are, at the lowest common denominator, servants. Those who do the Master’s bidding. And truthfully the global agenda, The Great Commission, remains unchanged. Why are we spending time arguing and creating further dissension and discord, when, if we would just lift high the Name of Jesus, good would come to all? What if, rather than ranting and arguing, we just loved? Served? Gave? Encouraged? Exhorted and focused on the things that are true, lovely and of a good report?
For some of us, that will mean unplugging from social media -entering into radio silence. But is silence really such a bad thing? When Jesus entered the trial of His life- the trial to end all trials, he was not vocal or argumentative, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” (Isa. 53:7)
If Jesus our great and perfect example held His peace during a trial, there will certainly be times we need to follow suit. Sure, he confronted sin when needed. And we will too. But sometimes, what is most needed is a quiet redirect. A time to open our mouths in prayer, not in lamenting. A time to petition and plead, not protest.
Would you join me in the movement to speak unity? To speak the language of love?
Dear Lord, I pray for our country and our world. You know our needs, our hurts and your will for us. We lean heavily into Your sovereignty. We choose to trust and believe that Your plan is to not only prosper us individually but to prosper the Church throughout the world. Put a guard upon our tongues, help us to walk worthy of the call that you have given us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Sometimes silence is the best thing. I am very saddened what I see some of the Christians I know, post on social media. Not a good thing at all. We all can agree to disagree, in a loving manner, not hate.