We all know some people in our lives that never want to take a position on important matters and had rather remain neutral, and our politicians have certainly perfected this trait. The “go along, to get along” people. I knew some in a congregation once that when matters of Truth, right or wrong would surface within that congregation, these people would always say, “better you than me brother, take care of it” leaving those willing to fight for Truth to go it alone. This same situation happened in another congregation that had elders. Each time a problem, error or a moral issue had to be brought before the congregation, one of the elders would resign from the eldership. This happened on three separate occasions. When the trouble was resolved, he would reinstate himself. It seems almost comical, if it weren’t such a serious matter, and in fact some did laugh. It still is one of the most bizarre situations I have ever witnessed within a congregation. An elder, wanting to remain neutral in situations between right and wrong, Truth and error. Needless to say, we left that congregation.
We read in Scripture, “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
There are times when neutrality is permissible if there are no important matters at stake, but when it comes to the battle between Truth and Error, Right and Wrong, Morality being perverted into Immorality and when Christianity is in combat with the world, we cannot remain neutral. We must take sides. Neutrality is the devil that sits on the fence, and he owns the fence.
“Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in Truth: and put away the gods which our fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt: and serve ye the Lord. and if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15
We are soldiers of the cross and there are no neutral positions. We must be courageous in the fight against right and wrong. One of the greatest quotes about bravery illustrates this point about choosing that which is right and being courageous in the process.
After invading Greece and receiving submission of other key city – states. Philip of Macedon sent a message to Sparta: “If I invade Laconia you will be destroyed never to rise again.”
The Spartan ephors replied with a single word. “If”
“Constantly choosing between the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil.”
Eileen Light