Courage - To Say or Not to Say

There are times in our lives that we are faced with a “say or not say” situation. It can be at work, within the family unit, or at church. It would seem obvious that for a believer in Jesus Christ, the answer would be simple. But is it really? That is the question we will clear up here in this blog.

When faced with issues at work that press the limits of right and wrong, it is more than acceptable to say something to your employer. The severity of the issue is paramount to the speed of speaking out as well as the person or group of people you can report situations to. It may be your immediate supervisor, HR, or an ethics board/team. Most employers have a rule to protect Whistleblowers; however, the rules and protections are minimal and hard to maneuver. I have another article on that subject matter from a first-hand perspective. From the perspective of integrity to the name of Christian” in your life, speaking out is paramount as there are cause and affects to voicing concern.

Family units are, by far, the most difficult to work through. Let us take the most vile of all sin within a family, which is sexual abuse of children within a family unit. (Extended family is included in this definition of “family”). Not speaking out allows a predator to reoffend and perhaps expand the victims within his/her reach. Speaking out causes an enormous rip in the family unit. Betrayal, physical pain/abuse, lies, broken trust, all adversely affect the victim and other family members.

Church is often the elephant in the room when in comes to speaking out. Church can include corruption in the workplace, as well as sexual and emotional abuses. Both have legal options to pursue if you are a victim of crime in a church setting. Just as heinous of sin is the manipulation of the Gospel message. People in church make life decisions based on what they believe and understand. There are church leaders who manipulate the Word of God and doctrines to obtain wealth, control congregation members and manipulate followers. To fathom the degree to which this sin has destroyed the spirit of mankind is beyond my mind, but I can say from what history has laid out, it is far worse that anyone talks about in open spaces.

Integrity and our voices can be an example of the Christian life Jesus asks all to live by. Saying something is the proper thing to do regardless of what social norms are pressuring us to admit publicly.

Courage is every more pertinent in the world we live in. What gives you the courage to stand up for the right thing?

I am going to leave you with a few scripture references for you to apply to your consideration of the above. God does not expect His followers to be silent in times of trouble. Consider applying Jesus (The Truth) into every situation you have and fear not!

Peace, Rev. Rico (6/9/25)

James 2:12 : 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

1 Peter 2:11-12 : 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Matthew 10:19-20: 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.