Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer—
In the last two posts1 we have been challenged to confront the prevailing worldview of Secularism and its counterfeit conclusions about marriage with the plain truth evident in nature. Several months ago in a series of articles, we focused on “The High Cost of Denying the Obvious.”2 While the need to declare the truth is clear, so too is the price involved. In other words, there is a high cost associated with affirming the obvious. We know this to be true, because we have seen Christians persecuted, even through court rulings, for simply remaining true to their consciences. The January 14, 2016 ruling of a New York appellate court against Robert and Cynthia Gifford3 is just one recent example.
In 1 Peter 3:13-17, the apostle Peter told persecuted believers they were blessed if they suffered for the sake of righteousness. They were not to be intimidated or afraid, but were to honor the Lord in their hearts and be ready to defend what they believed whenever anyone asked them about their hope and confidence. Peter also told them to respond with respect and humility to those who disagreed with them. Then he wrote this: “having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”
We need Peter’s God-breathed words of encouragement today. While it may appear as if Satan has the upper hand, he does not. God will use believers’ stands for the truth and their pure lives to convict those who would falsely accuse them of bigotry and hate.
In 2014, identical twins and house flippers David and Jason Benham were offered a television series on HGTV. Flip it Forward was to begin airing in the fall, but the reality show was cancelled in its early stages because the brothers were outspoken about issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. A network spokesperson told them the network did not object to their speaking out about their faith in Christ, but addressing social issues “may be a little much right now.”4
David and Jason lost their show, but God gave them a platform they otherwise might never have had. Articulate and engaging, the twins season their presentations with appropriate humor, yet also with clarity, conviction, and grace. They write, “we couldn’t be more thankful for all that has occurred and more steadfast in our desire to live for Christ and to love others with all the conviction we have.”5
We couldn’t be more thankful for all that has occurred and more steadfast in our desire to live for Christ and to love others with all the conviction we have.
—David and Jason Benham—
Speak up! God—not those who disagree with you—will chart your course.
Copyright © 2016 B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture has been taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Notes:
1Blinded; Ten Ways Same-Sex Marriage Denies Reality
2Series: The High Cost of Denying the Obvious
3Here is an update on Robert and Cynthia Gifford’s situation.
4David and Jason Benham, Whatever the Cost: Facing Your Fears, Dying to Your Dreams, and Living Powerfully, (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2015), 3.
5Ibid., 6.
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