What is the Lord Asking You to Do? Speak Out, Speak Up, or Both?

A few weeks ago, I posted an article on my personal Facebook page about Ben Carson, reflecting on the death of George Floyd, because I respect him so much. An African-American friend and brother posed this question in my comments section:

“So have you spoken out on the social injustices that have occurred? The article states you are a part of the problem or the solution. What have you done to be part of the solution?”

His question was sincere, and I answered that I am praying about what the Lord would have me do and gave a number of actions I am taking or have taken in my own life to hopefully be a part of the solution to the racial dissension in our world right now, but the Lord laid something else on my heart as I prayed about his question.

I felt like the Lord told me, “Maggie, it’s not for all to speak out – some may only be supposed to speak upward.”

Words in themselves are meaningless. It’s the power and the truth and the wisdom and the prayer and the guidance and the discernment and the heart of the person behind the words that matter.

For Christians who are seeking the Lord, silence is not always consent. Silence may show thoughtful obedience to making sure that when words are spoken, they are spoken from the right person-to the right person-in the right place-at the right time-with the right motives.

We carry a huge responsibility with our words. Each time I write an article, I read and reread and read it again while also having my mom or close friends read to make sure that my heart and God’s purpose in the writing is clear… that there is nothing hurtful or off-base scripturally, because in everything I do, I strive to be a representative of Jesus.

Proverbs 18:21 says “the tongue has the power of life and death.” And our words, spoken or typed, cannot be erased or taken back once they have left our hearts.

Words inevitably mean more when they are spoken to someone you have a relationship with – when people know your heart. Sometimes, words in person may be advised instead of posts on social media.

And sometimes, our words are only to be directed upward to the Lord. The power of prayer cannot be denied. And for some, that may be all the Lord is asking them to do.

So for all of us whose hearts have been broken by the racial dissension in our country, I pray we would seek the Lord’s will in the if and when and where and how anything should be spoken out publicly.

“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
Proverbs 31:26

There is “A time to be quiet and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7

Let’s not be too quick to judge or make assumptions about those who are not speaking out publicly, or those who are, because only the Lord knows their hearts and His purposes for them.

But may we ALL speak upward, crying out to God for repentance, healing, and restoration in our land.

Other tongue verses:
Proverbs 15:1,4,28
Proverbs 21:23

*This photograph was taken by Game Changer Photography at the Unity Prayer Event hosted by Backpack International recently during our prayer time.

**Let me be clear that the purpose of this writing is not to suggest we should do nothing…but we should prayerfully consider our words and actions and timing before moving forward.