The Not So Quiet Christian Life (Cannot But Speak – Part 4)

“Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary” is a statement for which I vehemently disagree. In the town I live, a church sign proposed this statement and assigned the author as Francis of Assisi. Strangely, no one can find that he actually made the statement (even though the name for this congregation is St. Francis of Assisi).*

I am not concerned about a potential misquote of an ancient theologian. I am terribly concerned with a lack of speaking God’s truth in love. Mark Galli, senior managing editor at Christianity Today, notes that Francis was known for “sometimes preaching in up to five villages a day, often outdoors. In the country, Francis often spoke from a bale of straw or a granary doorway. In town, he would climb on a box or up steps in a public building. He preached to . . . any who gathered to hear the strange but fiery little preacher from Assisi.”*

It is a good thing that the first disciples of Jesus adopted a manner of speaking the Gospel as well as living a life consistent with their words. In Acts 4, Peter and John were instructed not to speak the name of Jesus by the religious rulers in Jerusalem. They said, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” (Acts 4:16-17, ESV) The first disciples could have decided to practice “Christian principles” and become publicly silent about their faith in Jesus.

Living a private, quiet Christian life was not a defining quality of Christ Jesus. He was perfectly discerning of when and where He made public declarations. Yet, His actions proved His words. Jesus continually talked about the Gospel in crowds and in private conversations. His words intrigued even the hardest hearts.

The society and time in which God has placed us seeks to silence verbal proclamations of the Gospel. If we want to physically help others, give to charity, and educate our children in Christian environments, we receive little criticism for these choices. Opening our mouths, however, is defined as offensive to a culture that tolerates all speech against the Gospel and none that is for the Gospel.

So, what is our appropriate response? Is it better to just show Jesus by our deeds alone? Are words necessary? If we just live a decent, kind, and moral life, will not our witness before non-Christians be compelling enough to persuade others to follow Christ? Not according to the Apostle Paul who asked the Roman believers this probing question: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Romans 10:14-15, ESV) While this is a popular passage to use during an ordination service for a pastor or missionary’s commissioning, Paul is addressing this text to all within the fellowship.

Career preachers are not the only ones who should openly proclaim God’s Gospel. We are called to speak. The only life that glorifies God and makes disciples of Jesus is one of consistent speech and actions that exalt the Lord. No matter what our culture says, silence is not an option.

In this series, we are looking at the passage in which Peter and John told the religious leaders that they “cannot but speak of the things they have seen and heard.” (See Acts 4:20). To catch up on previous post in this series, you can click on the links below:

“Cannot But Speak” Introduction
Talk to God First
Talk About Your Testimony

In the next post we will examine how much we should talk about Jesus with others. Check back soon or sign up to receive updates to this blog on the “Email Subscription” link to the right.

* Note the following source for the quotes: thegospelcoalition.org