Sometimes You Must Walk Away

Standing up for your beliefs can be exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Will those around me respect my defense or rally against me? In a split second we are forced to face death, even if metaphorical, or praise. Sometimes, we just walk away.

IN THOSE DAYS, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix; and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. When therefore they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed; but they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”

Acts 25.13-19

As we hear of Saint Paul on trial for his beliefs we wonder if we would have the courage to stand up against an empire. Let’s face it. We barely have courage enough to stand up against ourselves in the mirror. The mere idea of punishment and struggle terrifies us.

Today I want to remind you that you don’t always have to fight. It isn’t weak to walk away. In fact, when it comes to employment, walking away is as much a struggle as facing opposition. Many saints, even martyrs, walked away. Christ and Saint Paul walked away too.

I’m not suggesting that we betray Christ or abandon our Orthodox Christian values. Eventually Christ, Saint Paul and the martyrs faced their death with faith and courage. Witnessing Saint Paul’s courage was inspiration for others to stand firm in the faith and Traditions of the Church.

There is a misbelief in our society that ‘freedom of religion’ means nothing can stand between us and our faith. That is not exactly true. For example, if you work for an employer who is not a believer, your employer is not forced to pay you to be Orthodox. What do I mean?

You may recall several years back a certain county clerk who refused to sign same-sex marriage certificates even though such certificates were legal in her county. Some praised her. Others chastised her. I believe she should have walked away.

Walking away wouldn’t have shown her as weak. Her willingness to forfeit her salary is a position of faith and courage. Besides, freedom of religion doesn’t mean the government is forced to pay you a salary if you refuse to work. There was more than one way to stand firm.

If she had walked away, she would not have been endorsing same-sex marriage. In fact, her refusal to walk away brought much negative attention to Christians in general. Refusing to sign the certificate was insubordination as a government employee. She was fined and jailed.

Saint Paul, the same Saint Paul who was jailed for his faith, taught us to live peaceably with all men as much as it is in our power. (see Romans 12.18) Sometimes walking away is our power to remain at peace while at the same time standing firm in our faith.

As we continue to navigate so-called ‘pride month’ as Orthodox Christians, I invite you to consider walking away rather than fighting all the time. If you are asked about your support or opinion, share the teaching of the Church. If you are not, just walk away.

You won’t be betraying Christ by not engaging every rainbow flag or button. You won’t be betraying the Church by purchasing food or supplies from a clerk wearing a pin. You also won’t be endorsing any movement by just walking away. Chances are, they don’t care what you think.

As Saint Basil taught, some people ask questions just to argue. Saint Basil taught that it was better not to engage them. If someone is genuinely seeking the truth, they will find Christ. Our willingness to stand firm but peacefully might be the one reason they come looking for Him.