Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. – Matthew 26:62-63 (NIV)
As children of God, we at times find ourselves in opposition to the opinions of the carnal man. They do not know God or wish to glorify him, and so our biblical stances on many issues make us look very foolish and ignorant.
Here lie the “necessary” conversations, the topics that Christians are being confronted about on a daily basis. Concerning race relations, sexuality, government, or simply right and wrong, we find an infinite swell of discussions and ideas. One thing is made clear in God’s word: if we have God’s Spirit in us we will be in opposition to the world. Jesus promised in Matthew 10:22 that they would hate us because they hated him.
So what do you do when it is time to talk about these hard conversations? When your identity as a set apart believer is on the line?
Here is one suggestion. Look at how Jesus handled his interrogation in the account of Matthew. Jesus was already planning to die on the cross, yet there were many questions asked by Pilate that He did not answer. If all that mattered was dying on the cross, what did it matter if He responded to a couple of accusations?
Jesus was able to discern what was relevant to His purpose. He did not allow social pressure to force Him into conversations that would take advantage of Him. He knew long before his criminal trial that Satan was trying to destroy Him, and He said only what His Father instructed Him to say. This is how we ought to be because the world is going to push your back against the wall and compel you into “necessary” conversations that are only meant to control and belittle.
Remember the example of Jesus, and keep your eyes on the prize. Jesus knew that the fulfillment of his purpose would be more helpful than the world’s discussion at the time, and He stayed faithful to that purpose. He took ridicule, shame, endured rumors and lies, and became known for what He did not commit because of the joy that was set before Him. He put his trust in God, not in the moment.
May the same be said about you and me.
PRAYER: Lord, these times are tough and sometimes confusing. It is hard to know what side to be on concerning the truth, but I trust you! Give me a discerning spirit, and help me to focus on the path you have laid out for me. Help me to be steadfast and unmoved by the pressures of this world. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.