Think of a high level leader who has spoken tough, but necessary truths within their own organization.  It could be a company, Christian denomination, or parachurch ministry.  Most will have a tough time coming up with a name.  For those who can, now think of a person who offered a courageous critique, and still remains part of the organization.  And they have not been punished, but are openly honored for doing so.  Pretty rough coming up with that name, eh?

Human nature, being the way it is, loves to critique those on the outside. Lambasting those who are not part of our own deal is pretty easy to do.  It actually does not cost much.  In fact, it may end up giving you advancement within your own organization.  

Unfortunately, loyalty to a group can many times become disloyalty to God.   You believe so much in the values and vision of your organization that those who have questions, or worse still, a thoughtful alternative, are classified as having a  “critical spirit.” Granted, there will always be immature people who want to earn a reputation as gadflies.  They revel in playing the “shock jock” role. This is why I said those offering a “thoughtful alternative.”  These are mature folks who don’t love confrontation, but are willing to do the right thing even when it is costly.

Do not assume I am talking about a particular person.  However, you would be correct to assume that this post applies to loads of people…perhaps even you!  

I have seen many people who failed to have the nerve to say what needed to be said.  Sadly, that includes many in leadership positions.  They had a title which dubbed them a “leader,” but they were far from being a true leader.  Fearing man, as the Proverbs make clear, causes one to fall into a very painful trap.

Too many speculate how the consequences may possibly go before determining whether they will do the right thing.  Like a horse in a violent snowstorm, we must keep our eyes fixed on one thing: the right course of action.  Let God deal with the consequences.