We have heard that quotation many times and probably every time it was misattributed to the wrong person, even by John F. Kennedy in a speech in 1961. It is a quote from the 18th century and wherever it did originate from it carries a truth that the Church needs to heed. That remaining neutral or doing nothing when the situation calls for a voice and action is a big mistake.
Here’s another quote which is not misattributed. Paul is addressing a serious issue that had developed in the Church, arrogance.
“Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 4 v 18-21)
A serious issue had happened in the church. It wasn’t the division, Paul has addressed this. We will find out soon enough what it was. But it was a sexual immoral situation which the Church leaders did nothing about and instead they became arrogant over the issue if that is possible (which we know it is). Like children misbehaving when their parents are not in sight or school children with the teacher out of the classroom acting however they want, they just didn’t think Paul was going to come to them. Paul writes and says not only will he send Timothy but he is coming himself. Out of sight is not out of mind for Paul. He is coming and they need to be ready. The language used reminds us of another coming, that of Christ. It is easy for us to be lulled to sleep behaving like Jesus will not return in our lifetime. But if Jesus was to come again in 2025, how would you live your life now?
Back to the problem. They had done nothing about the issue but in Paul’s absence they were also attacking his apostleship turning people away from him. So the issue was sexual immorality which the leaders were not only not doing anything about but they were taking advantage of the absence of Paul. It is the same today when the orthodox, faithful-to-the-Bible are present in the church then generally those who would prefer to turn a blind eye or even promote such error don’t hang around because they have no room to spread their alternative gospel. But when the orthodox, faithful-to-the-Bible are not present or if they’re present they are not courageous enough to do and say what is right, then the arrogant rise and issues of error grow.
As Christians (especially if you are a Christian leader) then your responsibility is to say something. Doing nothing is not an option. We are not only messengers of good but we are activists of stopping wrongdoing creeping into the church.
Missions Paul 