You might find yourself possessing strong feelings about topics such as racial discrimination, abortion, same-sex attraction, systemic poverty, modern slavery and sex trafficking – and that’s normal. 

In fact, I’d say it’s abnormal to feel nothing about the social issues that plague our world. That’s because we were created to be compassionate, to love and to be kind.

But we were also created to act and speak. Otherwise, love, compassion and kindness are only ideas. Our apathy, silence and inaction will perpetuate the darkness.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke

There are times when the influential – governments, industry leaders, even spiritual leaders – refuse to broach controversial topics out of a fear that masquerades as “wisdom” or “propriety”.

Edmund Burke once said: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” If we’re not part of the solution, we become part of the problem by our lack of action.

“But I’m a nobody. How can my words or action do anything? The most I can do can’t even change national policies or cultures in the slightest!”

I’d say that’s still a good place to start. If you don’t believe me, read the story of Moses in Exodus.

We all have a voice and a circle of influence – people we may directly or indirectly interact with – and that’s all we need. Yes, some of us may be better positioned to make a change, perhaps in the arenas of politics or education, or as heads of households. But all we really need to wield influence is to use our voices.

What if each of us decided today to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8)? What if we became a voice for the voiceless, broken and lost?

Imagine what the world around us would look like in a mere 10 years. I tell you, the mountains will be moved.

So express your beliefs in conversations and social media. Read up, agree, disagree, ask questions that make others think – be bold in sharing how you feel and think even if the cost is high. Start in simple everyday interactions. If you can, speak up at forums, your workplaces and schools.

Even the faintest whisper contributes to the overall voice of the people. Cast off fear – put on courage and love.

We must care about the state of our generation and the generations to come.

Ben Parker, uncle of Peter Parker (Spiderman), famously said: “With great power comes great responsibility.” If you have a voice, you already have a part to play. The onus is on each of us.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). For which will you wield yours?

This article was first published on The Project J and is republished with permission.