We introduced the concept of “the spiral of silence” last week to describe what happens to people who fail to speak up about their views when the opportunity presents. Very often we become cowed by the boldness and outspokenness of those who are passionate about their views – even if we know those views are wrong – and we simply clam up. If we keep doing that we are drawn into a spiral of silence that prevents us from affecting the way others think and live.

Christians today are in danger of being sucked into such a spiral of silence. But this is not inevitable. We can break the spiral of silence (1) if we are really persuaded of the truth of the Gospel and the Christian worldview, and (2) if we will simply begin to speak up when opportunities arise, trusting the Lord to use our words as He will (Luke 12:8-12).

It helps if we have a really good handle on what we believe. What is the Gospel? What is the Christian worldview? How can we learn to “think Christianly” about the issues and concerns that are before our society today? We need to prepare continually to be able to address these questions. And we need to live consistently as followers of Christ, so that the hope we have in Jesus will shine through in all we do. Preparation and practice: This is what is necessary for us to “always be ready” to break the spiral of silence in conversation with others (1 Peter 3:15).

Here are some resources and activities to get you going in the direction of breaking the spiral of silence. We can help, but you need to act. Listening to the Two-minute Warning and reading some of these excellent articles can prepare you for speaking out. But, when push comes to shove, you’re the one who has to open your mouth and begin to bear witness for Christ. Don’t worry: You have the power of God’s Spirit within you to help you fulfill this high and holy calling (Acts 1:8). You may not believe in your own power to be a witness for Christ, but His power, at work within you, is greater than you’ve ever experienced before (Ephesians 3:20).

Go ahead: Try Him out!

Resources for this topic

Chuck Colson, “Speaking the Truth”
Chuck Colson, “Speaking the Truth in Love: Practicing Pre-Evangelism”
Chuck Edwards, “Defending a Biblical View in School”
T. M. Moore, “Teachers All”
T. M. Moore, “Power to Witness”
T. M. Moore, “The Work of Witness”
T. M. Moore, “Where are the Jehoidas? Talking a Bold and Persistent Stand for God’s Truth”
David Naugle, “Introduction to the Christian Worldview”
Regis Nicoll, “The Rest of the Gospel: Advancing the Kingdom”
Regis Nicoll, “The Witness of the Church”

Next steps:

1. The resources above can help you “always be ready” to talk about issues and situations from the perspective of a Christian worldview. Choose a couple of these articles to read and study. Make copies of the articles for a few of your friends. Ask them to read them, then get together to discuss the articles and to encourage one another in breaking the spiral of silence. See if you can come up with a strategy for each of you talking with someone else about the Gospel. Then meet again to discuss the results of your efforts to break the spiral of silence.
2. Have you mapped out your Personal Mission Field yet? God has called and sent you to “life up your eyes” and see that the harvest is ripe all around you (John 4:35). By plotting out your Personal Mission Field, you can begin, like Jesus, to make disciples and seek the lost more consistently (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 19:10). Click here to get your free download. Fill it out, then make copies for two friends, and challenge them to do the same. Begin meeting regularly for prayer, sharing, and to hold one another accountable for working your Personal Mission Field.
3. Email today’s Talking Points column to several Christian friends. Challenge them to read some of the resources, watch the "Two-Minute Warning," and take on one of the activities.

A conversation starter

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