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◄ Being Neutral►

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Definition and Context:
Being neutral refers to the state of not supporting or favoring either side in a conflict, disagreement, or competition. In a biblical context, neutrality can be examined in terms of moral, spiritual, and social stances. The Bible provides guidance on when neutrality is appropriate and when it is not, emphasizing the importance of discernment and allegiance to God's principles.

Biblical References and Themes:

1.Moral Neutrality:
The Bible often challenges the notion of moral neutrality, urging believers to take a stand for righteousness. InRevelation 3:15-16 , the church in Laodicea is admonished for being lukewarm: "I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth." This passage underscores the danger of spiritual indifference and the call to be fervent in faith.

2.Spiritual Allegiance:
Jesus teaches that neutrality in spiritual matters is not an option. InMatthew 12:30 , He states, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." This verse highlights the necessity of choosing sides in the spiritual battle between good and evil, emphasizing that indecision equates to opposition to Christ.

3.Social and Political Neutrality:
While the Bible does not explicitly address political neutrality, it provides principles for engaging with the world.Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing their role as instituted by God: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This suggests a level of respect and engagement rather than complete detachment.

4.Discernment and Wisdom:
The Bible encourages discernment in situations where neutrality might be considered.Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage calls for reliance on God's wisdom rather than human judgment, guiding believers in making decisions that align with divine will.

5.Peacemaking vs. Neutrality:
While neutrality implies non-involvement, the Bible calls believers to be peacemakers.Matthew 5:9 states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Peacemaking involves active engagement in resolving conflicts and promoting harmony, which may require taking a stand rather than remaining neutral.

Historical and Theological Insights:

Throughout church history, Christians have grappled with the concept of neutrality, particularly in times of persecution or moral crisis. The early church faced decisions about whether to comply with Roman demands for emperor worship or to stand firm in their exclusive worship of Christ. Similarly, during the Reformation, believers had to choose between remaining neutral or aligning with reformers who sought to return to biblical teachings.

Theologically, the call to avoid neutrality is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and the believer's role as an ambassador of Christ. As representatives of God's kingdom, Christians are called to reflect His values and truth in a world that often opposes them.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to evaluate situations through the lens of Scripture, seeking God's guidance in areas where neutrality might seem appealing. This involves prayer, study of the Word, and counsel from mature believers to ensure that one's stance aligns with biblical principles.

Topical Bible Verses

Revelation 3:15-16
I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot.
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Appendix ii. Conflation and the So-CalledNeutral Text.
... Hort built his theory which was to account for the existence of hisNeutral Text,
and... far, then at any rate they must admit that it is far frombeing firm; if...

CertainNeutral Character, Then, and Undecided and Doubtful Nature...
... A certainneutral character, then, and undecided and doubtful nature of the soul,
has made room for philosophy, and found out a reason for itsbeing sought...

The Sword of the Spirit
... Neither may we hope to gain bybeing neutral, or granting an occasional
truce. We are not to cease from conflict, and try to be...

But the Gods are Said to be Immortal. ...
... theirbeing. [3655] If this is the case, then, and it is not fitting to think or
believe otherwise, why do you wonder that we speak of the soul asneutral in...

Defective Learning.
... its presence in the soul only by hastening on toward its well-being.... ein ganzer Gedanke
aufgefasst wird." Which is in English: Aneutral demonstrative pronoun...

The Suffering of Love.
... "Through suffering to glory" is true especially with reference to love.
Being love, it can not beneutral or insensible. And while...

Hebrew and Greek Text.
... to the fourth, an exceedingly small group, apparently consisting of practically
not more than two members, they give the title ofNeutral, asbeing free alike...

Fifth Tractate. That the Intellectual Beings are not Outside the...
... Certainly neitherBeing nor Beauty springs from evil or from theneutral;
the maker, as the more consummate, must surpass the made....

The Symbols of the Republic.
... For the intellect is the mostneutral of all our qualities.... It is a light; and no
one will object to itsbeing kindled except those who, by that objection...

Upon the Government of the Tongue.
... though there is not any necessity that men should aim atbeing important and... not
unprejudiced and impartial; that he is not, as I may speak,neutral enough to...