Kudos to Riley Gaines, the University of Kentucky swimmer who has taken a strong stance to protect the integrity of women’s sports. Riley publicly opposed the idea of men participating in women’s swim competitions after the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championship, when she tied for fifth with a male swimmer who identified as a woman. As a result of her outspokenness, Riley, who is just 23 years old, has been the target of violent threats and physical assaults by trans-rights activists. Yet, through it all, she has steadfastly stood firm for her convictions.
Riley recently tweeted that she received supporting messages from several well-known athletes during the ordeal. However, their private, off-the-record encouragement fell short.
“At first, I felt honored when elite (both female and male) athletes thanked me for taking a public stance on having male-bodied athletes in women’s sports and locker rooms. Now I realize these private thanks make them responsible for this continuing and advancing as it has.”
Agreed. It is not enough for other prominent athletes or anyone with influence to privately express their support but fail to show support and speak out publicly. The Bible says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48).
Satan inverts truth, and our current culture continues to embrace his most outlandish lies. The Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Our once-great nation is in grave danger due to moral decline and the spiritual cowardice of people of influence. We desperately need more influential leaders to get some “holy backbone” and speak out. King David wrote, “I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, LORD, as you know” (Psalm 40:9).
The boldness of Riley Gaines reminds me of a courageous young woman in the Old Testament. Esther was chosen to be Queen of Persia because of her beauty. Yet shortly after she settled into the palace, Esther learned of an evil conspiracy to exterminate all Jews living under the rule of her husband, King Xerxes. Esther had not revealed to Xerxes that she herself was Jewish, so she was reluctant to speak out because it could cost her life.
However, Esther’s uncle and guardian, Mordecai, pleaded with her to be strong and do what she could to preserve her people. “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace, you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).
Esther agreed to approach the king on behalf of her people. She requested the Jewish people fast for her for three days, and “Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish’” (Esther 4:16). The Book of Esther further recounts how her bold action spared the life of every Jew living in Persia. And to this day, the feast of Purim remains a joyous holiday commemorating Queen Esther’s triumph in saving the Jews of ancient Persia from annihilation.
Sadly, many people of influence are reluctant to speak out against the immoral absurdities plaguing us. Yes, it is dangerous. Yes, you could lose friends. Yes, you could be canceled. Yes, you could lose your job. And, yes, you could lose your popularity or influence. But perhaps God has placed you in a position of influence for such a time as this. Indeed, it is way past time for morally conscious people, especially Christ-followers, to “be strong and courageous” and speak out against the immoral nonsense currently being promoted as acceptable.
Some justify their unwillingness to speak out by suggesting we should accept it as God’s providence, that He is in control and His will is ultimately going to be accomplished. However, Mordecai admonished that if Esther did not speak out, God’s will would still be accomplished, but she and her family would perish. “…relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish” (Esther 4:14). Mordecai knew it was God’s will to spare a remnant of Jews to keep His promise that the Messiah would come from the line of David. But he also knew that Esther’s intervention would make a difference in saving the lives of all of her people.
Each of us has a God-given duty to make the most of every opportunity and allow God to accomplish His will through us. That is especially true with those who have been given much — much more is required of you.
Read Jesus’ warning again: “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26).
And consider, again, Jesus’ promise, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven” Matthew 10:32.
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