God's Truth Reflected in Our Lives

"A dog barks when his master is attacked.  I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent."      ~ John Calvin

 

It happens to me all the time . . . . .  I'm just going about my own business, not really paying attention to everything that is going on around me because I am so focused on the task at hand.  Suddenly I become aware that the conversation around me has turned in a direction that just might make me uncomfortable, because the rest of the people in my little office begin talking about me as if I'm not there.  They seem to find my naivete somehow entertaining.  Oh, they really do like me, they just think it is cute that I kind of "check out" of the conversation when they begin discussing topics that I am not comfortable talking about.  

And sometimes they even tease me, trying to get me to engage in their style of communication, in which there are various sexual innuendos and crude language about topics that I believe to be sacred and private.  I tend to walk away and busy myself with my work, or if I am on a break, I typically will be working on one of my writing projects.  In those instances, my silence speaks volumes about my values, my character, and my integrity.  And then, very frequently, I am asked why I do what I do, or don't do what I don't do, or why I believe what I believe.  Then I have an open door to answer them honestly and in a loving way, and tell them of our great God and Heavely Father.  

But then there are times when silence is an assumed validation of whatever is going on in the world around us.  Whether the conversation turns to social issues, political issues, religious or historical issues, there is a time to have the courage to speak up and stand up for what we believe to be truth.  Now, I am not going to suggest that I have the totality of TRUTH with a capital "T" - because I am only a finite human.  But I know what I believe, and I know why I believe it, and I know how it has changed my life.  And that I can speak about with complete confidence. 

Sometimes it is quite confusing to figure things out, in the midst of all of the voices shouting, trying to drown each other out.  We need to listen to God's voice within our own hearts, and discover the truth of His Word.  And it is tricky to figure out some of the issues, because some of the "evil" that we encounter in our lives is very subtle.  Our children are bombarded with messages every minute of every day from a variety of sources.  And even if we are very careful, as parents, we will not be able to shield them from everything we would like to protect them from.  So, we need to be diligent in building their character, so that when they encounter things that are not honoring to God, they will be able to discern what they are experiencing and have the courage and the commitment to make choices that are wise.  We must speak to our children about the true and living God, and how He intervenes in our lives on a daily basis, and teach them to walk with Him.

For the rest of the world . . .. . we must not be silent.  But sometimes our silence speaks so much louder than our words.  Because the world is watching to see if our lives match our words, and occasionally our verbal "silence" combined with the testimony of our daily actions, provides opportunities for sharing the truth of God's love in ways that our words, alone, could not.  Wherever God leads us, He will give us the opportunity to touch others with His love, in words, deeds, and actions.  We simply need to be willing to do whatever it is that He puts in front of us to do.  

Be sure to visit Esthermay at The Heart of a Pastor's Wife and read her inspiring post.  You can also find links to the others who are participating this week with In Other Words, and visit them, as well. 

Comments

[Denise Hughes]

"Because the world is watching to see if our lives match our words, and occasionally our verbal "silence" combined with the testimony of our daily actions, provides opportunities for sharing the truth of God's love in ways that our words, alone, could not."

Absolutely. Thank you so much for your thoughtful consideration of this quote. Our words, our actions, and even at times our silence must match what we believe to be true. Your words here provide a great perspective on various way we can speak the truth by living it. Blessings to you today.

Denise Hughes :)

[Esthermay]

The silent version of defending God's Truth is immensely powerful. Your personal testimony speaks loudly here.

Tami asked on my own post this a.m. "What does a barking Christian look like." I had to chuckle at the question, but in all seriousness she presents a great poser! I do hope all the IOW participants visit your blog because you answer the question with wisdom.

The testimony of our lives often speaks louder than audible language!

* * * *
I smiled when I read that you'll be home again full time in Oct. It's the best place to be :-) ...happy for you.

God bless you - and your precious family!!
~esthermay

[Tami Boesiger]

Good point, that silence can speak volumes. Yes, indeed.

[Loni]

Thank you SO much for sharing today! Indeed - our silences does speak louder than what we say - SCARY, huh?!?!?! Thanks for your thought provoking post. :)