“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Killed.

For having courage.

To speak truth.

About things that matter.

The tower is tilting in Puerto Morelos. Built with ancient pyramid ruins. Set in shifting sand. Still standing. But what good is it? It has no light. It directs no ships safely to shore anymore.

Kind of like a growing number of Christians and a growing number of churches.

For who wants solid these days? Who wants absolutes?

And who wants to risk being critical? Because after all, we’re all so hypocritical. Aren’t we?

And no one wants to be labeled “radical”. Do we?

Because radicals get crucified, one way or the other, don’t they?

So who wants to be like Jesus?

Better to be lukewarm. Yes?

Better to play it safe. Yes?

Better yet, let those we love twist truth to the point where we all run aground.

Stuck.

Buried.

Beginning to believe what we never thought we’d believe.

Beginning to do what we never thought we’d do.

It’s not so bad, right?

After all, “Did God really say . . . ?”

One stayed silent.

And then the one ate also.

That “apple”. It is always so worth it.

Right?

That relationship. That lifestyle. That vice.

Right?

So let’s all drown in a shipwreck of silence together. Shall we? Because that’s the “loving” thing to do. Right?

But before we drown, we’ll just drift.

Slowly.

Surely.

Lulled to sleep with gentle waves of deceit.

Moved far and away.

Until we can’t see shore anymore.

It’s ok.

We’re with family. Or friends. Or pastors. Or others we “love” and who “love” us back because we all—stay—silent.

Hush!

Smile and pretend.

All will be well.

Keep on drifting.

We’ve in good company.

And those radicals who warn us? Well, we’ll just silence them with silence.

Keep smiling. Keep pretending. Keep tolerating.

Because God will tolerate us pleasing our loved ones more than loving our God. Right?

Because following Jesus is about easy and comfy and smiley and pretty.

Forget messy and prickly and bloody and costly.

Yeah.

We’ve got our friends.

And we’ve got our family.

Right?

We’ll be just fine.

Forget the yellow flags.

Forget the red flags.   

Forget the Life Ring.

Nothing’s happening.

Right?

 

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” go ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Titus 2:11-15

 

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fired, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

2 Peter 3:8-14