THE SIN OF SILENCE
(1 Samuel 12:23)
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way....
Many are teaching today that the best Christian witness is the proper lifestyle. That's not true. As ambassadors of Christ, if we don't go beyond living, many will suffer needlessly. After all, think about it. It's our reasonable service to be holy (Romans 12:1-2). If you are of this persuasion, consider 1 Samuel 12:23. It lets us know that there are two key elements that play a role in a person's success in God -- prayer and teaching. Prayer helps affect us, tapping into the power, majesty and supply of God. Teaching provides us with the information necessary to govern ourselves properly in the ways of the Lord Jesus Christ. One without the other will create a gap. If all we do is live before people, how will they learn. This is in direct contrast with Matthew 28:19 -- Go ye therefore and teach....
Teaching and prayer are a "bare necessity". When discipline is required, from a leader's standpoint, prayer isn't enough. He must continue to teach us/them the right way as well. Not doing so constitutes sin. This is a challenge for those in ministry. For those who think that delivering the word comes without pressure, think again. In delivering the word to people who become individualistic in their thinking, the enemy tempts the teacher/pastor/minister to hold back from delivering the word. In so doing, everyone would end up in trouble. The people wouldn't be fed properly and the preacher ends up with blood on his hands (e.g., Ezekiel 3:18-20). This even applies to lay member (those not in official tiers of ministry). Romans 15:14 says, And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. This lets us know that we're all responsible for being a blessing one another by being a covering to one another -- both through prayer and confronting one another with the word of God.
Until next time, remember -- silence is only golden to the enemy. At some time or another, God will require us to speak on His behalf. The enemy wants us to speak when God is requiring us to be quiet. Seek the Lord regularly in order that you will fulfill the task at hand in a way that is well-pleasing in His sight.
