Neutrality often feels like the safest option, but what does Scripture say about taking sides or staying silent? Today, we’ll examine what God’s Word says about being neutral.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Neutral
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse highlights the importance of making a choice and being committed to one side. It reminds us that being neutral is not an option when it comes to serving God. We cannot be lukewarm or divided in our allegiance.
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of making a deliberate decision to serve the Lord. Being neutral or sitting on the fence is not an acceptable option. We are called to make a conscious choice and stand firm in our commitment to God, regardless of what others may choose.
Revelation 3:15-16
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
God desires wholehearted devotion and commitment from His followers. Being neutral or lukewarm in our faith is displeasing to Him. This verse serves as a warning against being spiritually indifferent or uncommitted. We are called to choose a side and passionately pursue a relationship with God.
1 Kings 18:21
“Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’ But the people said nothing.”
Elijah’s question to the Israelites reflects the need to make a clear decision and not remain neutral in matters of faith. Indecisiveness hinders progress and growth. This verse encourages us to actively choose to follow God wholeheartedly, without wavering or being swayed by other influences.
Galatians 1:10
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Being neutral often stems from a desire to please others or avoid conflict. However, as followers of Christ, our primary focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of people. This verse reminds us that true discipleship requires taking a stand for Christ, even if it means not being neutral to please others.
Luke 16:13
“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Similar to Matthew 6:24, this verse reinforces the idea that being neutral or divided in our allegiance is not possible. We cannot serve both God and worldly pursuits. This verse challenges us to examine our priorities and make a choice to be wholeheartedly committed to God.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Choosing to be neutral or aligning ourselves with the ways of the world is seen as opposition to God. This verse underscores the importance of making a decisive choice to follow God and not compromise our faith by being lukewarm or neutral in our convictions.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Being neutral often involves conforming to the patterns and values of the world. However, this verse challenges us to break free from worldly influences and renew our minds according to God’s truth. By doing so, we can discern and embrace God’s will, rather than remaining neutral or influenced by the world.
Romans 6:16
“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”
This verse highlights the reality that we become slaves to whatever or whomever we obey. If we choose to be neutral or align ourselves with sin, we become slaves to sin. However, if we choose obedience to God, we become slaves to righteousness. Neutrality is not an option when it comes to our obedience and allegiance.
Matthew 12:30
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
This verse makes it clear that neutrality is not an option in our relationship with Christ. We are either with Him or against Him. Choosing to be neutral actually results in scattering, as it lacks conviction and purpose. To gather with Christ means to align ourselves fully with Him, leaving no room for neutrality.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Being neutral often stems from a lack of commitment or purpose. This verse encourages us to stand firm in our faith, fully giving ourselves to the work of the Lord. Our efforts and dedication to God are never in vain, and being neutral would undermine the significance of the work God has called us to do.
Luke 11:23
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
This verse reiterates the principle that being neutral is equivalent to being against the cause of Christ. We are called to actively gather alongside Jesus, supporting His work and advancing His kingdom. Being neutral would contradict our purpose and hinder our effectiveness in fulfilling His mission.
Ephesians 6:13
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Being neutral in spiritual battles is not an option. This verse encourages us to put on the full armor of God, equipping ourselves to stand our ground against the forces of evil. Remaining neutral would leave us vulnerable and ineffective in opposing the enemy’s schemes.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
Being neutral in our interactions and associations with unbelievers can lead to compromise and hinder our witness as Christians. This verse emphasizes the importance of not being unequally yoked or becoming entangled with those who do not share our faith. We are called to be distinct and separate, not neutral or compromised.
John 15:19
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Being neutral or seeking the approval of the world goes against our identity as followers of Christ. This verse reminds us that we are chosen by Jesus and set apart from the world. Neutrality would compromise our allegiance to Christ and potentially diminish the distinctiveness that the world may find offensive.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Being neutral in our efforts and service to God diminishes the value and impact of our work. This verse encourages us to do everything wholeheartedly, recognizing that we are ultimately working for the Lord, not for the approval or recognition of people. Neutrality would undermine the dedication and commitment we are called to exhibit.
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Being neutral in sharing the Word of God is contrary to our calling as Christians. This verse urges us to consistently and diligently proclaim the truth, whether it is convenient or not. Neutrality would hinder our ability to correct, rebuke, and encourage others with the Word, diluting its power and impact.
Psalm 119:115
“Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!”
Neutrality or associating with evildoers can compromise our obedience to God’s commands. This verse reflects the determination to distance oneself from ungodly influences in order to maintain faithfulness to God. Being neutral would blur the lines between righteousness and wickedness, hindering our commitment to God’s commands.
Colossians 4:5
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
Being neutral or indifferent in our interactions with unbelievers can limit our ability to make a positive impact for Christ. This verse encourages us to be wise and intentional in our conduct, seizing every opportunity to shine the light of Christ. Neutrality would hinder our effectiveness in extending God’s love and truth to others.
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
Being neutral is often driven by fear of man, seeking the acceptance and favor of others. This verse warns against the trap of fearing people and underscores the security found in trusting the Lord. Neutrality would perpetuate the fear of man and hinder our ability to fully rely on God’s protection and guidance.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Being neutral contradicts our identity as chosen and set-apart people. This verse reminds us of our privileged position as God’s special possession, called to declare His praises and share the light of His salvation. Neutrality would undermine the purpose and significance of our calling as believers.
Psalm 94:16
“Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?”
Being neutral or passive in the face of wickedness and evil contradicts our responsibility as followers of God. This verse poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the need for courageous individuals to rise up and take a stand against wrongdoing. Neutrality would disregard our duty to confront evil and fight for what is right.