Uncertainty

“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.” 1 Cor 14:8-9

Have you noticed that all the financial commentators when they speak of the Eurozone Crisis, talk as if the markets are real people? They are not. One of the favourite quotes is, “The market doesn’t like uncertainty”. It is almost as if this ‘money market’ has feelings, and this uncertainty affects everything in the financial world. It can, and this uncertainty affects us all.

I feel there is an even greater uncertainty, and that is the voice used by faithful Christians. Take another look at the verses above. The theme is clear. Don’t leave anyone unsure of what you say or mean. As the old saying goes, “Mean what you say, and say what you mean”. These are wise words. We are good at hedging our bets, and the most obvious example is the reluctance of some of our churches to use their voice to speak up against the Government plan to recognise, respect, and yes, honour homosexual marriage in the same way as normal marriage between a man and a woman.

Of course, at our own daily level, we can also be ‘uncertain’ and deliberately, when it suits our own ends. Maybe our reputation would be shattered if we were certain in our talk. Maybe it suits us to only tell part of the story. Part of the truth, is deceit, and dishonouring to God, while at the same time protecting our own feelings, and how we think others see us. Some uncertainties would go almost unnoticed, but there are others if made clear, would affect our honesty and integrity, perhaps for ever. So, when the stakes are higher, we are more inclined to ‘give an uncertain sound’ to our words. After all, at that critical time, what have we to lose, except our Godly inheritance and integrity? So, is sitting on the fence really worth it, either at personal or church level?