Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, said— “We
must always take sides. Neutrality helps
the oppressor, never the victim. Silence
encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
Motivational speaker and artist, DJ Kyos, said— “Don’t be eager in believing lies by ignoring the truth. Don’t fall for lies when you know the truth, because of your loyalty and support to the person who is telling the lies.”
It seems amazing that many people can ignore the truth that is so vividly set before them in order to follow and support obvious lies— simply because of loyalty to a person in one’s life or a political party that one’s family and friends are a part of. Yet, we often witness these phenomena around us. Our lives, our culture is packed with examples all around. No matter how much real science shows the fact of life beginning at conception, or how much evidence shows a political scam or lie, people keep voting for what they know is wrong, even sinful. Perhaps it is good to remind ourselves what side we are on when we take our stand in life. Compare your choices against the names of the ultimate leaders of the two most basic sides you can choose to take.
Names of Satan: Accuser of the brethren, Adversary, Angel of the bottomless pit, Apollyon, Belial, the Devil, Enemy, Evil Spirit, Father of Lies, Great Red Dragon, Lucifer, Old Serpent, Power of Darkness, Prince of devils, Tempter, Unclean Spirit, Wicked One, Murder, Spirit that works in children of disobedience … on and on.
Names of God: Holy One, Abba, Alpha and Omega, Ancient of Days, Anointed One, El Chuwl (Birth Giver), God of Knowledge, Most High, Everlasting, the God Who Sees, Almighty, Creator, Self-Existent, Lord Creator, Our Provider, Our Banner, Our Healer, Shepherd, Lord of Hosts, Peace, The Lord is There, Our Righteousness, I Am, God of Recompence, Mighty to Save, Perfector of our Faith, Bread of Life, Comforter, Cornerstone, Day Spring, Emmanuel, Fountain, Living Water, Guide, King of Kings, Passover Lamb, Rock, Rose of Sharon, Truth, Teacher, Way, Wonderful Counselor, Word, Vine … and so on.
Seriously, compare your choices against these descriptors. Which side do your choices fall on?
Consider any and all of the topics we have before us these days: Pro-life/Pro-choice, Freedom of Speech/Censorship, Creation/Evolution, Male-Female/Personal Identity, Constitutional Republic/Socialism and Communism. Though some of the lines we draw can become wide, gray areas, yet the sides can be drawn.
In Hebrews 4:12-16 we find these descriptive thoughts on making judgments and choosing sides, especially when it is difficult, “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword (scalpel). It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess … Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.”
We can discern and find truth when we challenge each other to truly search for it where truth lives. “Choose you this day whom you will serve … As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
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