Wisdom and Boldness- Living in the Tension
“The police are raiding our offices,” said the Whatsapp message. “I got a phone call yesterday. We are under investigation,” another leader fearfully announced. The same day, a different leader sent me pictures. They were distributing thousands of gospel books at a religious festival in his area. Prayer for the sick, sharing their testimonies, they were bold. Many heard the gospel for the first time. Two leaders. Very different responses. How do we balance boldness and wisdom when persecution is increasing?
It may be different for foreigners and nationals. Visa issues affect foreigners differently than nationals. Many issues though are the same.
How would God want us to respond when faced with these security challenges? The first is to acknowledge that fear is not bad. It’s a God-given response to threat. Staying fearful, however, or living in fear is not God’s plan.
A Fearful Posture is Not From God
Living in constant anxiety and fear is not His way. The Bible says God has not given us the spirit of fear but of love, joy, peace and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). He also tells us not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything (Phil. 4:6-7). A further scripture tells us, though, to “be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.” (Matt 10:16)
What does it mean to use both wisdom and boldness in our witness under threatening circumstances?
Conversation on a Plane
I was traveling to a high-risk country. I’d been invited to speak in an underground discipleship training there.
Boarding the plane, I found my seat. Next to me sat a mother with her daughter. We started a conversation. I too was a mom. She and her husband had gone outside of the country on holiday. They’d had a great vacation there. She was friendly and well-spoken.
It didn’t take long before we were chatting like old friends. I shared with her about my three children, now grown. We laughed about funny things kids do. She told me her family was involved in the government.
The country I was flying into was very anti-Christian as far as the government was concerned.
Taking a bold step, I shared my testimony with her. Feeling nervous, I toned it down a bit. As I spoke, in the back of my mind, I wondered who else might be listening to me on that plane.
I worried even as I was speaking to her about who she might be related to in government. What would they do if they found out I was a boldly witnessing Christian?
My heart turned heavenward, “Lord, do you want me to continue to go for it with this woman? Or is that foolish?”
She listened to my testimony politely and with interest. “I visited a church in England once,” she said.
When the plane landed, she walked with me to the exit. An invitation was extended as we parted to come to her home for a meal. It was a dilemma and I needed to think fast. Uncertainty filled my mind. If I said yes, and made plans, would it put my hosts at risk? I shot up a quick prayer. “What do I do Lord?”
Having to decide on the spot, I chose not to proceed with a visit to their home. In this high-security context, I was a newcomer. I decided not to pursue a relationship with her. Was I too timid? Or was I being wise? I still am not sure.
Peter is a great Biblical example for us of what Holy Spirit led boldness looks like. Was I more like Peter or more like Thomas that day?
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:12-13 NIV.
A Missionary Response to Government Threats
We look to Scripture for answers. What can we learn from the response of Paul and others in the New Testament? They certainly faced threats much like ours.
1) The apostles were willing to take Spirit-led risks.
After the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2), there was a new boldness in them. Peter (who had been afraid and betrayed Christ), preached in front of thousands.
He walked into a temple and stepped out boldly to pray for a lame man.
God rewarded that faith and a miracle took place. The power of the Holy Spirit was obviously prompting Peter to take the risk, in spite of the difficult political and religious climate.
2) Early church Christians accepted the reality of suffering as a normal part of life.
Jesus taught his disciples to expect to suffer. In Matthew 5:10-11 Jesus told them they were blessed when persecuted. He said to expect it to come. “Blessed are you when people insult you…”
Though at times they feared these trials and all it would mean, they were not surprised by suffering. Missionary life includes hardship, as does normal Christianity. If we accept this from the beginning, rather than expecting “the good life,” we will not be shocked when it comes.
3) The apostles listened to God and obeyed.
When God spoke, or the Holy Spirit prompted them, they obeyed. Circumstances didn’t determine what they would do, the leading of the Holy Spirit did. Paul heard the call of the man from Macedonia. He responded, changed his plans, and went.
4) Paul made the most of every situation and rejoiced in difficulty.
Paul and Silas, arrested and jailed, didn’t moan and groan. They didn’t wonder why God had allowed this terrible thing to happen to them. They rejoiced and worshipped God. As they worshipped, an earthquake shook the prison, opened their chains, and led to the salvation of the Philippian jailer.
5) Sometimes, they left so they could stay safe.
At times, God instructs us to leave. There is a time to flee. In Acts 9:25, we read of Paul’s friends helping him escape over a wall because there were threats against him. It is not always right to stay and be martyred. Sometimes, it is best to get out of there. This is what it means to exercise wisdom with discernment.
This is not an easy topic and there are no simple answers. When do you boldly go for it and share with someone when you are in a risky environment? There are no formulas.
It is clear in scripture though, that the gospel spreads when God’s people are willing to lay down their lives for the sake of the lost. History backs that up. Wisdom and boldness are both necessary if we want to reach the least, last and lost around us.
When do you think it’s appropriate to take risks? When should we be most cautious to share the gospel? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or on the Missionary Life Facebook group.