The Silent Christian's Hatred

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Journal Entry. 8th of September, 2023. Morning, 5:34. 

The world declares its hatred of God by violence and rebellion. The man of the world saith in his heart, "There is no God. I will live unto myself until I die. Trouble me not, but leave me to my religion in peace." (Psalms 14:1 | Luke 12:19a | Amos 7:12) Thus he casts off the rule of Christ, refuses His yoke, and desires only that he might be left undisturbed to walk in his own way.

But may not the nominal Christian speak another language of hatred, though with a quieter tongue? His rebellion makes little noise. He strikes no blow, utters no blasphemy, and perhaps would shrink from being numbered amongst the enemies of Christ. Yet he saith within himself, "I do well to remain silent, even unto death. Trouble me not, but leave me to my religion in peace."

The one would have Christ silent that he might continue in his rebellion; the other would himself remain silent that Christ might never disturb another man's rebellion. Both desire a religion which will leave them in peace. But what peace can there be where Christ is not suffered to reign? The sinner saith, "Let me alone"; and the silent Christian, by holding his tongue, almost answers, "I will." Oh, what dreadful agreement! The one refuses the voice of Christ, and the other, who hath been entrusted with His Gospel, refuses to speak it.

No Christian needs to say with his lips that he hateth the souls of men; there is a silence which speaketh terribly enough without it. Beneath that silence may lie the fear of man, an unwillingness to bear the reproach of Christ openly, and, what is more dreadful still, a secret unbelief concerning those very truths which the mouth professes to receive. For if I truly believe that men are perishing, that judgment is before them, and that Christ alone is their refuge, how shall I behold them going on toward eternity and remain altogether at ease? Here I am much afraid of the spirit of Jonah. He knew the judgment of God, yet had little heart that Nineveh should escape it. And may there not be something of Jonah in us also, when we possess the truth, behold men without it, and are nevertheless content that they should proceed unwarned?

Yet how easily may a man quiet his conscience! He attends the appointed gathering, sits amongst the saints, sings, hears, prays, and returns home persuaded that he hath done much for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Meanwhile the treasure committed unto him remains shut up within his own breast. He possesses the truth, but those who have never heard it receive nothing from him. Oh, what manner of love is this? I tremble to call that love which can behold a soul walking toward destruction and yet esteem its own ease, reputation, or safety too precious to be disturbed. Such a professor may speak much of loving men, but his silence bears another testimony.

The Lord hath not called His people to believe in secret. Christ is some treasure to be hidden for ourselves. Neither hath He called us to rage against men after the manner of the world. The Christian must neither strike in anger nor flee through fear, but bear witness unto the truth with humility and love; speaking faithfully of Christ with meekness, and, when reproach attends it, with courage. And why should he do so? Not that men might account him bold; not that he might satisfy himself that he hath performed some great work; but for Christ's sake. If reproach must come, let it come. If the voice tremble, let it tremble while it speaks. Only let me not be found possessing the knowledge of Christ, surrounded by dying men, and keeping Him to myself.

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