A Time To #24

Keep Silence

There are times when we need to speak out, to stand up for what we believe in and confess our faith.  However, there are times when silence is necessary.  We look at this concept today and how it can help us to progress in Christ.

Keep Silent To Preserve Yourself

In Amos 5:13, we are told the prudent will keep silent in the evil day.  To be prudent is to be wise.  In our study through the Proverbs on Wisdom, we found that wisdom is sometimes shown through silence rather than speaking or actions. 

Have you ever tried to explain or encourage Christ to someone who just wouldn't hear you out?  They were almost violent in their refusal of Jesus and His delivering power.  When someone rebuffs you vehemently, it is okay-even preferred-to keep silence. It will preserve your witness as you won't be baited into a fruitless debate.  It will preserve them to be witnessed to as you won't get sucked into an argument that pushes them away.  It will teach you patience  and give you understanding in just how to operate as a soul winner because you trust God rather than your own words. 

Peter, John and Paul were very successful at winning people to Christ, but their testimonies and actions also fell on deaf ears.  Each of these men found themselves beaten and imprisoned and two of them died a martyr's death.  When you witness, it doesn't always result in success and knowing when to keep silent is just as important as knowing what to say and how to say it.  When the opportunity to say or do that which God wants, He will lead you and guide you in exactly what and how to witness.  Until then, remember that we are in an evil time and it is important to remain prudent.  If we do, we will preserve our witness and maybe even bolster it down the road.