Some time ago, I noticed a bumper sticker on the car ahead of me while driving to work. I do not know what agenda the sticker intended to promote, but a biblical application readily came to mind. The sticker read, “I refuse to stay silent so you can stay comfortable.” Consider for a moment the responsibilities of those who know the Word of God.
In Ezekiel 33:1-6, God instructed the prophet to speak to the Israelites about the duties of a watchman. If a man assigned to watch for an approaching enemy warned of an eminent attack, those who ignored the warning were responsible for any negative consequences they endured. However, if the watchman neglected his duty to sound a warning, he was held responsible for any who suffered.
In verses 7-9, God made a spiritual application based on the physical example.
So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you shall surely die!” and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. (NKJV)
If Ezekiel remained silent so the people could continue comfortably in their sins, the prophet would also suffer God’s wrath.
Jesus commanded His disciples to teach others (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15). In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul instructed the young preacher Timothy to preach God’s Word at every opportunity. Additionally, Timothy and Titus were instructed to rebuke and to exhort others (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15), correctly using the Scriptures provided by God (2 Timothy 3:16). Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 that Christians were to “warn those who are unruly,” and Timothy was told to rebuke those who persisted in sin as a warning to others (1 Timothy 5:20). Clearly, God does not expect Christians to remain silent so the world and unfaithful Christians can be comfortable in their sinful lives.
At every opportunity, Christians have an obligation “to contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). When someone teaches false doctrine, the faithful Christian will sound the warning (Acts 20:28-31; 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1). When someone questions an individual’s obedience to the Gospel, he should be ready with an answer from Scripture (1 Peter 3:15). When an opportunity presents itself to condemn the immorality so prevalent in the world, the Christian watchman will pronounce the truth of God’s Word, using speech “necessary for edification” (Ephesians 4:29) and “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). The faithful Christian will not remain silent so those in sin may be comfortable.
Sometimes, Christians remain silent, not to keep the sinner in comfort, but to stay comfortable themselves. The prophet Jeremiah encouraged Israel, “Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the LORD” (Lamentations 3:40). Paul told the Christians at Corinth to examine themselves to determine if they were “in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Christians need to conduct a self-examination when they fail to take advantage of opportunities to warn a fallen world of the coming Judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). If the failure to warn was due to fear of the reaction from those in the world (e.g., ridicule, rejection, physical or verbal abuse, etc.), the child of God needs to adjust his thinking. Jesus told His disciples to fear what God will do to the disobedient, not what mankind can do (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 2:10). When the opportunity presents itself, stand up for God and His Word. Do not remain silent so you or sinners can stay comfortable. Comfort in sin while in this world will result in everlasting discomfort (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8) “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).