"Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." -- John 12:42-43
The most common cause of silence among believers is the fear of rejection. Most people are willing to sacrifice a great deal of personal loss, but not rejection by their friends and family. If America is "the land of the free and the home of the brave", when will we freely and bravely stand for Jesus?
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) From the very earliest days, there have been frightened and misdirected believers. They have been those who love the world more than the Lord. As a result, they become "secret believers".
What kind of believer are you my friend? Are you satisfied with the kingdom of heaven as your real 401(k)? Are you willing to take a stand and suffer loss that Jesus might be glorified? Or do you hide your faith from those who would ridicule and humiliate you? Remember, the Lord's blessing belongs to the persecuted for the glory of God, not to those who live for the glory of man.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) From the very earliest days, there have been frightened and misdirected believers. They have been those who love the world more than the Lord. As a result, they become "secret believers".
What kind of believer are you my friend? Are you satisfied with the kingdom of heaven as your real 401(k)? Are you willing to take a stand and suffer loss that Jesus might be glorified? Or do you hide your faith from those who would ridicule and humiliate you? Remember, the Lord's blessing belongs to the persecuted for the glory of God, not to those who live for the glory of man.
No comments:
Post a Comment