The servant of Christ undoubtedly is not to be a coward. He is to confess his master before men. He is to be willing to die, if needful, for the truth. But the servant of Christ is not required to run into danger, unless it comes in the line of duty. He is not to be ashamed to use reasonable means to provide for his personal safety, when no good is to be done by dying at his post. There is deep wisdom in this lesson.
The true martyrs are not always those who court death, and are in a hurry to be beheaded or burned. There are times when it shows more grace to be quiet, and wait, and pray, and watch for opportunities, than to defy our adversaries, and rush into the battle. May we have wisdom to know how to act in time of persecution! It is possible to be rash, as well as to be a coward – and to stop our own usefulness by being over hot, as well as by being over cold.
~ J.C. Ryle
Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Matthew, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1986], 318, 319.
A great distinction between military style aggression and pathetic pacifism – neither of which align with Scripture.
Most Americans who claim the name of Christ run away from any conflict, however slight, without regard to profaning the name of God among the pagans. “Unity!” is their cry, as they shrink back from the Gospel of Christ in their efforts to be well thought of by other creatures.
I think the Apostle Peter had other things in mind when we wrote “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. ”
Let all offense be of and by the cross of Christ and let all defense by for His name’s sake. At the same time, no Christian should allow his life to be taken lightly, for this violates the Word of God.
Mr. Ryle’s counsel is sound.