I’m going to steal this quote that one of my church’s youth pastors posted on Facebook tonight:
Being ‘unashamed’ about Christ isn’t just a refusal to deny Him. It’s being brave enough to never be silent about Him.
This really hit home with me…especially after the morning’s sermon.
My church recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary. It was a momentous milestone in this day and age.
My church just purchased a venue in which it will be able to serve the community through innovative ways, and so the sermons lately have been about looking forward and just what, exactly, we Christians are called to.
No matter where we go, whether it’s across the world or across town, we are called to spread the love of God and news of His Son’s sacrifice for the lost.
We are called to do so in word and deed.
I am the first to admit that my actions and words do not always reflect my love for the Lord…I am still a sinner, after all, but one saved through grace. Yet, I do strive to serve God with all of my heart, and I’ve always welcomed and, in fact, embraced the opportunity to tell others about Him.
It’s not because I think it’s my job to “save” the world.
It’s simply because I am so GRATEFUL for what God has done, and my heart hurts for those who can’t see the TRUTH.
As I listened to the morning’s sermon and later read my friend’s words, I was taken back to a time not too long ago when I was told to be silent about Jesus.
The mandate pained me greatly…caused much angst in my soul.
You see, when you love the Lord and seek to serve Him, it goes against your nature NOT to speak up.
It’s like trying to hold back flood waters pushing against man-made barriers…sand bags, if you will.
We take so much for granted in this country.
Most Christians who live in the United States will never know the true meaning of bravely speaking up for Jesus.
At least not in the sense that Christians in other parts of the world do.
Yet, our resolve does get tested in the pressures of everyday life…situations in which we don’t want to appear “different” by going against the grain.
Sometimes, situations preclude us from speaking up…in the name of “political correctness.”
How would you feel, though, if your father publicly denied you…withheld His support and love from you in front of others…and passed by silently as if He never knew you?
It would sadden me, and I think it would cause others to wonder what kind of relationship I really had with my “supposed” father.
I, AuburnChick, am not ashamed, and I will never be silenced.
Does this mean that I will run around trying to convert people?
Nope.
God does that all on His own.
What it does mean is that if someone asks me if I love Jesus, I will proudly answer, “Yes.”
Will you go beyond not denying Him and actually speak up?
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