Christians, Shut up!

For years I have heard Pastors say that “we need to be more BOLD in our faith.”  I actually don’t agree. Let me explain. Romans 14-15 gives us some GREAT instructions from God about how we are relate to other people when it comes to our faith. As I read these chapters, I couldn’t help but think that the entire passage could be summed up by the phrase: “Christians, shut up!” Here are a few reasons why:

• “Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” (14:1 NLT). In other words, STOP having these theological arguments with people at work, school, and on facebook! I don’t know of one person who’s ever said to me: “The day I lost that theological argument at work was the day I gave my life to Christ.” In general, Jesus emphasized the fact that talk is cheap; but love wins.
• “So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.” (14:10 NLT) In other words, stop gossiping  about what “they’re doing” Stop beginning your sentences with “Have you heard?” Stop looking DOWN on other Christians for THIS or THAT. You’re no better. You’re a sinner just like they are in need of God’s grace!  You COULD be judged MORE because you looked DOWN on THEIR sin!
• So don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path.” (14:13 NLT) IN other words, don’t condemn anyone. But don’t be a stumbling block to anyone, either. Just because we’re Christians, and live under grace, it doesn’t mean we can go live and SPEAK like we wan to! We need to consider if our actions or our speech could cause anyone to stumble in their faith, or think less of Christians in general.  We need to ask ourselves more often: “Would I be acting or speaking like this is Jesus were in the circle?” Usually, no!
• “…We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong.” (15:1 NLT)  In other words, when someone doubts, or has questions, the LAST thing we need to do is POUNCE on them and try to ANSWER all of their questions; and certainly not try to FIX  their beliefs!! I find it interesting that Jesus often taught in parables, which left people with more questions than answers. Jesus didn’t try to answer all of their questions. He wanted them to dig a little and search for the Truth themselves! We should follow His example!  Ask more questions. Give less answers.  be honest about our doubts more. People are attracted to authentic faith, not spiritual pride that claims to have all the answers!

These are just a few examples in Scriptures where

I believe God says:

“Christians, shut up!”

What do you think?

Comments

[Colston]

Shawn-
Just a few thoughts as I read through this post. I know you posted along time ago but Im just now getting to it.
Being Bold in your faith- isnt this statement directed towards Christians to LIVE OUT their faith in front of unbelievers?
I agree that the theological arguments that split churches, friends, and even schools is dumb.
However of all the statements that you posted along with this all have to do with Christians talking to other Christians. The statement of being bold again I believe has to do with believers talking to unbelievers.
So Im not sure I agree that Christians should shut up- Romans 10 says no one is going to get saved unless someone tells them. I believe the greatest sin in church, youth ministry and that all Christians have is SILENCE!
However, the statements you made about CHristians talking to other Christians are spot on. THe way that we do things is way wrong.
ALthough I again I dont believe silence is the proper way. How does Matthew 18 work if we are silence? How does Galation 6 work if we are silent?
I dont believe silence is the answer but I do believe ALL Christians need their mouth washed out with soap. :-) They need to be taught the proper Biblical way of talking to each other.
I hope that you dont find my post knocking what your saying. I just want to put my thoughts out there and see what YOU thought.

[Elizabeth B. Van Laanen]

I am so grateful that we can go online and hear the message each week. This series has been a constant source of amazement to me and is always so "on target" for my life. He speaks thru Shawn each week and His love abounds as I trust the steps that are set forth and reach out.

[Annie Dozier]

Hi Shawn, I totally agree with you. I have found more often than not that theological discussions tend to alienate those people who are looking for the right path. If you are not fully armed and prepared, your argument falls flat. I have been a Christian since I was in my early teens (we won't get into how many years ago that was!) but I know I have not lived my life in a way to SHOW people Jesus lives in me. I visited Mountain Lake for the first time today and was immediately touched by the music and then the ministry. You could feel the Spirit of God in your congregation and I will definitely be back next Sunday. I pray God will continue to use me and make changes in me that allow people to see God in my life. Sometimes a message is just as powerful with no words spoken. Thank you!

[David Putman]

Shawn as your partner in ministry I am so grateful you feel this way. God is rocking our world! I love the journey he has us on. Mountain Lake is a hospitals for the sick of which I am the sickest. It's good to be totally loved and accepted by an amazing God and to serve with others who get it. God help me in my weakness not to displace it on other followers.

[Chris Doherty]

I agree. Immediately going into Romans road or pulling out the Bible for all the answers usually isn't very effective, especially to someone who isn't acquainted with anything having to do with God. Showing love and mercy and just being real speaks volumes.

[carolyn craddock]

I completely agree Shawn! I know so many people who have nothing against Jesus but everything against Christians. Mostly cause they were around Christians who did not know when to just love on them for who they are. I believe that we should be bold in loving ALL kinds of people. Even those who may push your patience to the limit of how we are capable of showing love, and God will use those relationships to open up doors... The people at the college football games yelling "turn or burn!!" have never been my cup of tea... but who knows maybe someone out there has come to God that way. I just know I want to love and then God will use that to show who HE is in me.

[Bill]

I confess. I love to argue (debate is a much nicer word). I try to reserve this joy for arrogant, judgemntal, ignorant christains. You know the ones that have a spindle full of knowledge and act like they understand the whole counsel of God. (whew) Hold on, I need to put down my stones. Man, this living like Jesus stuff is hard.
Anyway, Thanks for challenging me to be more like Jesus everyday. It is liberating!

[Veronica]

Thank you for this. I know for me, being a "new" Christian is so exciting that I am happy to tell others and part of my prayer is to help others move toward Christ. The problem is, I don't really know how to do it. I am looking forward to following your advice and instead of talking, get to "being" by showing love, compassion and being open about my doubts and fears. Thanks, Shawn!

[David Westbrooks]

Amen Shawn! I've thought this for years. I can't tell you the number of times at the office that I've felt that a Christian was doing more harm than good by trying to prove a religious or political point. What I've learned in my life is if someone loved me in spite of my faults, usually God told me through my conscience that I was wrong and it usually bothered me when I was around a quiet Christian if I hadn't corrected it. I recall an incident when I was in college when I was a wayward son, when I loved to party and cuss a lot. This Christian girl always liked to correct me every time I said a curse word. This drove me further from the church and made my blood pressure go up immensely, but it did cause me to hit the softball a lot further in my rage!!!!

[mitch]

Shawn I agree with you for the most part. When I think of being "bold" in our faith. I think of showing love, compassion and acceptance of people beyond what they might be used to. I quit trying to be an apologist for my faith and just try to show the love of Jesus through who i am day by day.