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“THE SILENT LIBERAL”
Assigning names and attaching labels is a common occurrence in the political realm as well as in the religious world. We have heard terms like conservative, moderate, liberal and other such titles. This writer has been subjected to a variety of terms and labels as most preachers of the Gospel. Having never sought a particular label makes me wonder why the characterization needs to be made.
Jesus once healed a man that was possessed with a devil being “blind and dumb” (Matt. 12:22). The people giving their accolades to the Nazarene for such a miracle called Him the “Son of David” (Matt. 12:23). While the Pharisees, on the other hand, accused Jesus of doing this miracle by the power of “Beelzebub the prince of the devils” (Matt. 12:24).
Bearing labels and/or other such designations is nothing new and we should not be surprised to receive an artificial label in either a flattering or unflattering way. If a “conservative” is a person who strives to walk the “strait and narrow” and gives strict adherence to a “thus saith the Lord” without deviation or alternation, I am your man. A liberal is one who takes liberty with the Scripture minimizing the importance of the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-11), and brings about innovations to effect change.
The silent liberal is the person refusing to speak up when God's word is being violated. All too often we think of preachers and those in the leadership that fall into the “liberal” camp, however it needs to be stressed that every member of the body of Christ must ask themselves, “am I a silent liberal?”
1. When we are in the company of a person who diminishes the importance of the church, we are a “silent liberal” when we say nothing. How many times have we heard those cry about the importance of Jesus and in the same breath desecrate the significance of the divine institution (the church) for which Jesus shed his blood (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 2:12-16; Acts 20:28)? For over a generation now we have heard those articulate in their own way, “Jesus yes, the church no,” or “preach the man, but not the plan.” Dear friend, if you hear such rhetoric and remain quiet, you are a “silent liberal.” Silence is not always golden as occasions require that we stand up and “contend for the faith” (Jude 3). Using an old expression, let us “put our faith where our mouth is” as we discharge our duties as soldiers of the king and meet the adversary on every corner (Eph. 6:11-18).
2. When someone inquires “what denomination do you belong to,” are we a silent liberal?” Frequently, Christians are placed in an awkward position of having to answer the query “what denomination are you a member of,” to which all too often they respond “the church of Christ!” The clear implication is drawn that we are members of the Church of Christ denomination. What other meaning will the queerest draw from such a reply? This question should give us a rare opportunity of informing those that the church of Christ is not a denomination and these are the reasons why. We are a silent liberal when such an opportunity presents itself to us and we ostracize ourselves from giving a proper reply (1 Peter 3:15). Fear should not hinder us in “standing fast in the faith” (1 Cor. 16:13; 15:1; Gal. 5:1).
3. Elders are often “silent liberals” when they refuse to take a stand and make decisions mandated by God. Elders are often weak by appeasing a certain group, as weighty decisions must be made in the best interest of the church. Matters regarding the role of women in the church, marriage-divorce-remarriage, innovations in the worship, etc. This writer is aware of a congregation that allowed their guest evangelist to speak in their six-day Gospel meeting to promulgate the doctrine of “grace only.” These elders became tragically “silent liberals” by allowing such false doctrine to go unchecked. Paul writes “...mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17). Elders are all too often ready with a “wink and a nod” at doctrinal problems and in some cases refuse to act as godly elders for fear that such decisions would cause them to lose substantial financial contributions.
Elders become “silent liberals” when they abandon the mandated decree of God and therefore the church blends in with the world (Rom. 12:2). Peter clearly underscores the chief responsibility of elders to “feed the flock of God...taking the oversight” (1 Peter 5:2). There's no better time than now that we desperately need those godly, mature, men of wisdom to lead and guard God's flock in these troubled times (Heb. 13:7,17).
4. Preachers are “silent liberals” when they ignore certain subjects and souls are lost due to their silence. The root meaning of a Gospel preacher is one who “heralds good news.” Preachers must never forget the power is in the “Gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16) and not in the human eloquence of man (1 Cor. 1:21-23). Our pulpits are becoming weaned from the inspired message of Christ and as a result, those on the pew are ill-prepared and ignorant to meet the attacks of Satan (1 Peter 5:8). Some preachers have stated in my hearing, “I cannot preach on marriage-divorce-remarriage or I would lose my job.” The “silent liberals” who refuse to speak-out on a biblical subject that is needed is nothing short of professional preachers who are more concerned about their position, financial package or their homes. Imagine visiting your doctor with a serious illness and he ignores your condition. You would give him a serious reprimand and dismissal; therefore preachers that refuse to address serious spiritual issues are straddling the fence and are nothing short of “silent liberals.”
Let us be cognizant of this grave problem or else the existence of the church will be on the brink of extinction. Paul writes, “with all boldness as always Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death” (Phil. 1:20). Paul says he was a “debtor” and was “ready” to preach the Gospel (Rom. 1:14-15). All preachers should have this disposition of heart as life and death weighs in the balance.
