Before we can ever #speakup we need to know why we've been quiet. We need to be aware of what we have been observing and why we have become numb to the wrongs.
More importantly, will we be saying or doing something to address these wrongs?
The question I challenge you to ask yourself today; "is there anything right now that I know is wrong but have been allowing?"
Since, we allow the wrong to be done and it being unaddressed; this aids the growing of that wrong.
For instance, if you hear a child (no matter the age) swearing. What do you do?
You may not be that kid's parent to reprimand them but you're person who has ears and moral standards right? So it is only right to tell that kid, that what they are doing or saying is not right. It does not make them cute nor cool.
How you address a wrong is very important. But before we get to the adressing of these things. Let me help you understand where I'm coming from with this.
A few weeks ago I had a conversation with my spritual parents and the word that has been stuck with me since is; Medepligtig (afrikaans) translates to Complicit (english)
com·pli·cit : to be involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong
In order to be aware of what we may be consciously or unconsciously complicit of; and to be sure that we react as God wills and not in our flesh; is to be quiet & to listen. Just as James 1:19 reminds us, Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
To seek understanding from God through prayer & His Word. In this Holy Spirit will guide us on whether to #speakup or remove ourselves without even having to say a thing. We're reminded of this in Proverbs 3:5-6; Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
I understand that some of us remain complicit for many reasons, however, no matter how good your reason may be, it is still wrong.
Recently, I had a teams meeting with my team and one of our colleagues decided to use vulgar language and it was inappropriate. However, as team leader I did not address it at the time. I thought maybe if I send him a mail first, to make him aware that what he said was inappropriate and not proffessional, that not only would this be a softer blow but also be the best way to handle it, directly with the one person instead of reprimanding him infront of the team. However, if I just chose to say nothing overall then I'd be allowing this behaviour and become complicit.
In another context, I'm a youth leader and we have kids that live in dangerous parts of our suburb and they walk home. Our youth service ends rather late, at times after 8pm or after 9pm. And we all seem to be okay with the idea of having these babies walk home this late. I have my own kids and would not allow that. However, I am again, complicit.
Saying something about this or anything else can be good because God reminds us that we need to speak for the well being of others. Proverbs 21:8-9: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Now, please know that as much as we have the power of life and death in our tongue, we dont have power of our own. We do what Holy Spirit directs us to do, we stay obedient to His instruction and He does the rest. My point is this; we do need to speak up yes, however, many don't for reason that nothing changes anyway. That may be true but you do not have to be apart of it. If the behaviour remains unrighteous and unpleasing to God, you need to leave if Holy Spirit instructs so.
For some of us, that would mean stepping down from a position or possibly leaving a position completely. No matter how much you love what you do because you do it for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus and loving those He loves.
No matter all this, it is better to stand opposed to the oppressor, opposed to unrighteousness. Don't let your salt lose it's taste.
Mark 9:50; Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
I am learning that if we are not unified by the Spirit of God then surely wickedness rests among us. Ecclesiatses 3;16, Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness.
So before you #speakup, speak to Jesus & remember to T H I N K.
Heres something to help you address what is needed to be addressed in the best way possible.
True? Exodus 20:16
Helpful? Ephesians 4:29
Inspiring? Psalm 86:11
Necessary? Proverbs 21:23
Kind? Titus 3:2
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person Colossians 4:6
Is daar miskien iets waarin jy medepligtig is?
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