Speak Up!
I have been reading through the Bible after receiving the challenge through the book “Radical and find myself in Ezekiel and 1 Corinthians. I don’t think I’ve ever read through the book of Ezekiel before and although I’ve read through 1 Corinthians have found that the passages I read often have similar themes, something I’ve never noticed before. Now onto my thoughts.
Two passages really hit me Saturday morning as I read. Although they are from different contexts a theme jumped out at me as I read: Speak up.
“Do you not know, that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Paul is addressing some pretty important items with the believers in 1 Corinthians. In chapter 5 we see that the body has allowed a man to enter into the fellowship that has taken his father’s wife; not only that but they boast about the fact. Paul tells the believers that they shouldn’t associate with those who call themselves a believer but lives a life in direct opposition from God. Paul goes on in the second part of chapter 6 to make it plain and clear that sexual immorality is a sin not only against God but toward a person’s self as well.
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.” -Ezekiel 3:17-18
This second passage, opposite from the first, speaks about those who don’t know Jesus or follow Him. God speaks to Ezekiel about warning those who are walking the wrong way and how we are accountable for those who die and haven’t turned from their ways. As I read this I broke down….how many times have I had opportunities to share those I come into contact each day and yet remain silent? Will I stand one day in front of God and realize that my whole aim, my whole identity, my whole existence was to reach out to those around me and I failed to do it?
Both of these passages scream to me to Speak Out! In a world where we are encouraged to be accepting of everything regardless of our own beliefs, these passages point to something different. God calls us to step out and speak up. I believe that truth, God’s Word wrapped in love should be our approach in sharing with those that don’t know as well as those who might be a follower but might be deep in a pit.
Why do I even have to think about warning those who day in and day out are getting closer and closer to hell? Why am I not warning them before it’s too late? Why am I not showing God’s unbelievable, all surpassing love He has for them by sharing the simple truth of what He did for not only me but them as well?
I have this simple picture in my head: If someone was running toward a cliff without knowledge that they would run off and be lost forever, would I warn them and get in their way? Why won’t I do the same when it comes to eternity? Why am I not urgent in my actions, my words….my life.
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” – Ephesians 6:19
