Christians of Moddb
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This group is exactly what the name implies. A group for people who are Christians. If you're a Christian then please join us. We're a place on ModDB for Christians to gather and talk. It's as simple as that.
When is it wise to speak up?
There are many people, many opinions, many passions. It's impossible to understand them all in this life, more so an absurd request to address every last one of them.
So the question then becomes, when is it appropriate to speak up? What should I say, why should I say it? Will my input be valued?
First, it's not about who's loudest nor is it about who's most passionate. It's about calmness and consistency. A man who keeps his cool in the midst of trial and silent in the midst of anger is a man of peace. It's important brothers and sisters see you this way if your input is to be valued. They'll look forward to what you have to say because you've had time to think and observe the situation before reacting.
Second, you must know your audience. On this Earth, many people are dulled to the things of God and blinded to the needs and dangers of the spiritual nature. With this in mind, you must think carefully. Do you want to appeal for a moral change among the immoral? Do you seek understanding with the quarrelsome? Observe those you are among. Don't bother input where it will be disregarded. As scripture says, "Cast not your pearls before swine, lest they trample it underfoot and turn to attack you".
Third, be graceful in all things. This is a difficult request because as humans we're incapable of perfection and bound to blunder. But it remains a important aspect nonetheless. When you speak, avoid anger and contempt, avoid pride and fear. Speak firmly but gently. Mastering your feelings is a difficult and often lifelong pursuit but when it's done you'll be viewed as one of the calmest, and hopefully most understanding individual, people have met thus far.
Please understand, you're not being asked to become cold like a machine or lack warmness among others. God forbid if that was my intention writing this. I adore dear hearts and gentle people. I'm just giving pointers, we've all got room to improve!
Some scripture to keep in mind as an addition.
There's a curious one here I also wanna add.
The pronoun "they" refers to evil judges while "turn aside" addresses the perversion of justice. As result, just men suffered wrong in silence and didn't prosecute those who did them wrong. Why? Because they knew it would be useless. Because of the corruption of the courts. The state itself was in sad condition unable to purge itself of these evil men.
This is another thing to consider when contemplating when it's wise to input. Will your pleas be heard? Or are there no righteous judges left to hear your case? Observe the situation, study those you wish to appeal to. Know with whom it is you desire to speak and those that council them. And without question, pray about it.
You've seen the quote in the image yes? With these lessons, you can adapt and apply to that quote. Input, where you know you'll make the difference.
I wish you all a blessed day.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, (Acts 4:29)
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (Acts 28:31)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. (2 Timothy 4:2)
Although Christ doesn't expect us to go around picking fights with people that are known to be hostile to the Gospel (Matthew 7:6), we are always obligated to justify our faith whenever the opportunity arises regardless of the consequences (1 Peter 3:15). But make no mistake about it, the Lord commanded us to preach the Gospel to everybody everywhere and if we shirk or hesitate then we will be cast out like the slothful servant (Matthew 25:14-30).
It's important to have discernment is the jest of what's been said. There are people not only hostile to the gospel but that'll outright ignore any appeal and turn with anger towards you
Hence the reasoning beyond knowing with whom you speak and the Biblical stance of prudence before opening your mouth.
Of course this is more on a individual basis. A preacher of the gospel doesn't care who he's speaking to, whoever comes to listen he'll minister too without question. Unfortunately though, not all of us are meant to be teachers.
On a day to day basis we have lives and professions that demand prudence. If one feels the need on their heart to minister to someone, and that person seems to have softened enough to listen. By all means, take the opportunity.
Another strategy is to take it to them slowly, plant a seed and water it over time that they may soften to the message. Then one day, they just may receive it. Things like the lifestyle you live, how you treat others, and the scriptures you look to for inspiration can all play their role in opening that person up to the things of God.
Amen to that....
Thank you for sharing these good words!
May your day be blessed as well :D