Written by Mark Driskill:
Tuesday January 18, 2011
Read Acts 5:7-11
“How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?”
Sometimes our greatest and most deadly sins are the sins of silent agreement. Ananias had come up with an evil plan to gain notoriety for himself by lying to the church and to the Spirit about his giving. He died for it immediately. Three hours later his wife came to the church, not knowing of her husband’s death and when it was discovered that she had gone along with the lie she was buried next to him.
As head of the home Ananias had primary responsibility for the spiritual direction of his home and so the main responsibility was upon him. But Sapphira, by going along with it, fell into the sin of silent agreement. We don’t know how much of this evil plan was her idea. But we do know that she took part by her silence. Having silently followed the plan she gave her seal of approval.
Often we think we are doing well by just keeping quiet about evil in our midst. We know someone we love is making a bad decision but, not wanting to cause tension in the home, church, or job, we remain silent and hope it just goes away. Your friend confides in you about an affair they are having and you ignore the pain deep in your soul and remain silent. In a sense you become a partaker in adultery. You notice your child acting strangely lately and suspect they are involved in drug abuse. You suspect that drugs are being hidden in the bedroom. You know you should investigate, but not wanting to stir things up you comfort yourself by “respecting their privacy.” You do nothing. You may as well be the dealer. Your friend comes to work with bruises poorly covered up. You suspect abuse in the home. But you tell yourself to mind your own business. You are enabling the abuser. All of these are examples of silent agreement.
By doing nothing, raising no opposition, asking no questions, you give silent approval to the works of darkness, then wonder why God doesn’t do something about all the problems around you. Has it ever occurred to us that when we see evil around us God just might be answering our prayers by involving us in the fight for righteousness and justice and peace? In Ephesians we are told,
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (5:11)
Remaining silent is taking part. We are called to get involved, to speak out, to turn on the lights and enforce the kingdom of God. Stop sinning with your silence. Be the revival you are praying for. Speak up for heaven’s sake! You just might change someone’s eternity.
Mark Driskill and his wife Mary are homeschooling community ministers in Breathitt County Kentucky. They have four children. They co pastor Emmanuel fellowship Church, serve as Camp Pastors at Bethel Mennonite Camp, and Mark Teaches at Oakdale Christian Academy.
Mark is web minister for Begotten by theWord , a ministry of Helping Hands Christian Resources.
Once a month he preaches on the local radio station through the “Lion of Judah” program. Mark also preaches in youth rallies and revivals upon request at no charge. Their vision is to see true spiritual awakening come to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and to the nation.
Contact information:
Email: driskill@hilbillymail.com
Facebook: Mark Driskill
Address: PO Box 1159 Jackson KY.
