Having the mindset of an observer will lead me to fail when I am asked to step up and participate.
Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
Matthew 26:57-58
Peter went to see the outcome. He was an observer with no expectation of participation, but then someone asked him about his loyalties and he could not switch roles.
I too fall into this trap of trying to hide and resist being drawn in. I want to preserve my place as an observer. Yet my attempt to hide can leave me appearing to approve or betray.
Jesus’ silence at his trial makes him look like an observer. However, at key moments he intervened. It becomes clear that he is using the opportunity to clarify the real issue for those who considered themselves to be the judges, but were themselves on trial.