What would get you to speak out? What is a cause that’s important enough to you, even if there is some pushback to your message?
Sometimes the people that tell the truth despite personal risk to their jobs or even their life and liberty are called whistleblowers. There is a long history of that in our country. You can go back to shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Two Naval officers, Samuel Shaw and Richard Marven, witnessed and reported the mistreatment of prisoners of war. They lost their positions and were the object of a lawsuit, but in the end the U.S. Congress defended them and passed a law to protect others in similar circumstances.
“Whistleblowing” has been in the news a number of times in recent years. We may not agree with all the whistleblowers throughout history. They may have their own motives at times. But there is certainly a time to speak out no matter what may come out of it.
The Apostle Paul was outspoken in the truth about Christ, and often . . . . had to face strong opposition because of his message. One of the many cities where the Apostle Paul preached was Corinth in Greece. There he did not have an easy time of it. Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest (Acts 18:5-6).
Despite all that, Paul remained in Corinth for a year and a half and continued to share the Word. The Lord had told him in a vision: 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you … (Acts 18:9-10).
Jesus Christ is our greatest cause! The resurrection to eternal life is our message. The Lord is with us. Whatever may come of it, we will speak the truth of his grace to sinners. And just as happened with Paul’s preaching, we too will see others learn of and rejoice in the truth of their Savior.