I’ve watched with interest at the discussion surrounding the events in Ferguson, MO, and New York with regard to Eric Garner. They are very different events that each have the same outcome: loss of life.

What has interested me most is the response by evangelical leaders concerning the events. As a culture we have come to expect the most influential voices to speak when something gains national attention. Whether this is a good or bad thing is not my point here. But for an excellent perspective on this very topic you can read Voddie Baucham’s post “Thoughts On Ferguson.”

As typical, some leaders have spoken biblical truth into the events in Ferguson and New York and sought to shine a light on the Gospel by doing so. Others however, and these are the ones that most intrigue me, have remained silent.

I’ve even watched with curiosity as several leaders have declared that since they don’t know all the facts there is no need to speak and remaining silent is wiser. And a few have used the “I’m going to focus on the Gospel rather than these events” line.

But here’s my question, and where my curiosity naturally leads me: if Christians, especially influential Christian leaders refuse to speak biblical truth into these tumultuous situations – who’s left speaking?

The conclusion I have come to is that if we as Christians don’t speak God’s truth from the Bible into these situation, which is a vehicle for sharing the Gospel, then all we have left speaking are those without the truth of God’s Word. So if Albert Mohler, Matt Chandler, Thabiti Anyabwile, John MacArthur, John Piper, and Francis Chan don’t speak truth into these situations we are left listening to John Stewart, Bill Maher, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and pundits at CNN and MSNBC.

I’m not suggesting these aforementioned personalities would intentionally lie or misrepresent the truth; though at times such a perception has been given. I am saying that these do not speak from a biblical worldview with a Gospel perspective. Since the heart is desperately sick (Jer. 17:9) I can’t trust my feelings. And even my best works, my best intentions are tainted by sin (Isa. 64:6). This means that without a biblical worldview informing my thoughts and views I will have difficulty speaking any truth into tough circumstances like those in Ferguson and New York. Indeed, at times it may be impossible.

So on one hand there is the danger of relying on influential Christian leaders and personalities to give us our opinion about these events. On the other hand is a vacuum where prominent Christian voices should be, being filled by those who are at odds with the truth of God’s Word.

When our society erupts into chaos and violence over racial issues I don’t want someone driven purely by emotion talking to me; especially someone without a biblical worldview and Gospel-centric focus. What I need is to hear from those who derive their thoughts and views from a transcendent source. I need to hear from someone that can lay aside personal views and feelings and speak truth. Remember, my heart is desperately sick, so I can’t trust my feelings. If I, as a Christian, cannot trust my own feelings in light of my sin, how can I trust the feelings of someone without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit?

Who will counter Jon Stewart’s thoughts on Ferguson? Who will balance Bill Maher’s Ferguson comments? Who will speak truth into the situation in New York after CNN comments?

Pastors especially have a tough decision to make. Will they comment on these situations or will they ignore them and “focus on the Gospel”?

Some might give pastors a pass on these situations and encourage them to “focus on the Gospel.” But in doing so we tell our congregations that their best source of information regarding these events is the evening news or Facebook. By ignoring the situations we almost trivialize them and minimize any anxiety people in our congregations are experiencing as a result. We’re then tempted to pass out the “focus on Jesus” cliché in order to avoid talking about it.

But isn’t this an opportunity to disciple people, to preach racial reconciliation in Jesus, to unite people rather than let people like Al Sharpton divide us?

Couldn’t we use these situations to proclaim that in Christ there is no color (Gal. 3:28)? Isn’t this the time to extend the hope of salvation in Jesus to people that are having trouble making sense of their world? Especially for younger people, a church that refuses to address these situations will appear cold, indifferent, or even racist. If our predominantly white churches pretend these situations aren’t happening and turn a deaf ear to the mixed emotions and confused thoughts many of our young people are experiencing we will convey the message that either Jesus doesn’t care, or we’re not equipped to explain how the Gospel relates.

I’m not suggesting we write a 3-part sermon series on racial reconciliation – though that might be just what multi-ethnic and racially diverse congregations need. I am suggesting however that to ignore the situations and go on as though nothing violent and unjust has occurred is a disservice to our congregations. The opportunity to teach about proper responses to injustice, healthy emotional release, unity in the body of Christ, and the sovereignty of God is now. People are primed to receive these messages and need the influential people with a biblical worldview and proper theology to be willing to speak.

I’m thankful for those biblically sound, theologically astute leaders that have spoken truth into these troubling situations. (You can click here to read Albert Mohler’s comments or click here to read Thabiti Anyabwile’s comments, and here to read Russell Moore’s comments on Eric Garner in New York.) I have no doubt many local pastors have sought to shine a Gospel light into these dark areas of our society as well; not necessarily from the pulpit, but perhaps in a blog or podcast.

We need to hear from leaders that can infuse biblical truth and Gospel focus into tough times. If Christians don’t speak up we’re left with the often unbiblical ramblings of television personalities. That is simply unacceptable.