Morning Devotional

July 26, 2003

“When Silence Is Not Golden”  

by Don Emmitte

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Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (Psalm 32:1-2 NLV). 

Have you ever become angry about a jar, cereal box, or plastic inner packaging that you couldn't open? Ever see a sign and say, "That is so confusing." Or, "Sounds like they don't even want me here." Ever wonder why they put 10 dogs in a typical frankfurter package, while the bun makers insist on selling you 8 buns at a time? 

I recently read an article about a woman who had modest success in writing to companies and complaining (when they deserve it). One of her most noteworthy efforts involved was writing to Imperial margarine after they changed their old stand by recipe for a new one. She wrote something along the lines of "What have you done to my favorite margarine? I've bought it for years. The new stuff tastes awful. I am very unhappy and will not buy this terrible stuff." She said that she never expected to hear anything, but a couple months later got a letter back with a coupon for her to try Imperial again. "We have changed the recipe back," they noted. She was not only happy, but also a little shocked. She felt that surely she hadn't been the only one to complain. 

One of the most famous consumer revolts in history involved marketing “experts” that advised Coca-Cola that it was time to update its taste for modern consumers. A "New Coke" was rolled out in 1985, sweeter than the recipe in use for almost 100 years. Consumers rejected the new drink, and just three months later, the old formula was pacifying drinkers again.  

There is a modern proverb that says, “silence is golden.” However, there are some times when it is just good to speak up because it is the right thing to do and people need to hear the truth. Of course I am not advocating that we speak words that hurt others in our effort to tell the truth! However, there are many times when we fail to speak FOR the truth. Those are the times when the minority has its way simply because the majority was silent.  

You’ve been in those situations before. There are those times when you happen to be standing among others who begin to gossip about some else. Instead of gently reminding them that those hurtful words are destructive and wrong, you simply remain silent. You convince yourself that since you didn’t really say anything that you are innocent.  The truth is that there is no room for “innocent bystanders” in such situations. Silence in that situation is NOT golden. Determine that you will speak for the truth in your life today! It will make a great difference in others and yourself.