God Is Your Defender: Learning to Stand After Life Has Knocked You DownSample

The Trap of Avoidance

When we avoid certain issues in our journey of justice, when we procrastinate in facing the root of a hurt, we risk an even bigger injury down the road. That’s the Trap of Avoidance. We can think we’re just too busy to deal with something. We don’t have time. It’s fine, it’s fine. But procrastination is avoidance, and the longer we put off dealing with the hurts and wrongs in our lives, the deeper the infection and decay to our sense of peace can go.

This is where our journey takes an interesting turn as we continue learning how to lean into God as our Defender. Many of us need help with not trying to take matters into our own hands. But some of us also have a tendency to let things go for too long. We stay silent when we should speak up. We neglect to call out that which has unrighteously crossed a boundary. It can feel very subtle, the difference between wisely keeping our mouths shut about some things and appropriately exposing others. Let’s face it: it can seem more comfortable to simply not say anything than to open up a can of worms. When we’re wanting to walk well with God, it can almost feel more righteous or grace-filled not to speak up. But we are also told that we have a responsibility to not allow sinful behaviors to continue (see Ephesians 5:11–13).

There are times when it is essential to call out abuse, illegal acts, and the exploitation of the helpless. To speak up does not replace God as our Defender; it allows us to do battle alongside him—allowing God to determine what happens next. We’re not talking about hurt feelings or differences of opinion here, but behaviors and decisions that could harm, defraud, or put others at risk. If we procrastinate in doing what is hard but right, we would be responsible for allowing another human being to potentially be hurt. Love, true love, exposes these kinds of wrongs so they don’t happen again.

There are times when the mute button is your best approach. That means removing yourself from the situation, choosing not to comment, and giving yourself a little space. But sometimes, a more dramatic protocol is necessary. If someone has crossed the line, is a danger to others, is compromising the unity of a faith community, or is slandering or extorting others, it’s time to unfollow that person. You might think that seems harsh, but that’s what Jesus calls us to do when fellow believer’s behavior has moved beyond a certain point (see Matthew 18:15–17). I don’t claim that it’s easy to find the courage to speak up and turn the lights on in the dark. It’s hard. It takes a lot of wisdom (see James 1:5).

Look, I would rather err on the side of grace than call someone out in a way that ultimately means I’m judging that person. But for followers of Christ, making righteousness our goal and encouraging others on to righteousness isn’t judging. It’s judicious. It means that you’ve used wisdom and good judgment in a situation. 

Make sure when you’re faced with a situation in which you could speak up or remain silent that you think through the options: Would speaking up be judgmental? Or would it be judicious? A judicious heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can make the right call. The Holy Spirit longs to comfort and counsel and infuse us with courage to face evil head on.

Respond

How has avoiding dealing with an issue in your own life affected you? Why does it sometimes feel easier to avoid dealing with problems?

What are some situations where you might need to speak up and expose a wrong? 

Who can guide you in protecting yourself and others from an evil circumstance, behavior, or person?