But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!"
Acts 4:19 (NIV)
We live in a time when everything must conform to social norms and principles of the world. Our way of life, our personal decisions, the education of our children, the financial management of our income, even the way we dress, all must follow the social rules established by those who govern and influence the world.
This worldly tendency causes us to remain silent when we must reveal the truth of the word as the Bible commands us. This is exactly what Luke is expressing in this verse, should we follow the world and be silent or speak the truth of the gospel?
Sometimes we deliberately choose to ignore another's sin or follow them in what they do, just to please them or not lose their friendship, even though we know it's not good. When the Bible warns us not to judge, it does not tell us not to tell the truth, not to exhort, or to be silent. Rather, it tells us not to judge in order to condemn or reject. But if our judgment is aimed at the repentance and salvation of the other then you will have saved his soul.
Do not listen to what the world tells you and do not let yourself be judged by it because it is your mission to evangelize it to bring it to repentance.
Comments