“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33 KJV)
These days, there is a lot of cyber hype about posting and texting and forwarding one’s belief in a risen Christ. Most of these “postings” are intended to excite other believers to a greater witness for Christ, but they are deceptive because they intimidate and create unholy fear. In addition, they give a false sense of obedience to a Scripture that is usually taken out of context and misapplied.
Consider that writing words on an unseen wall of cyberspace is not what Jesus was referring to as a witness of his grace and salvation. In fact, from the safety of a hidden computer screen or smart phone it is so easy to type in words and click buttons that neither demands a sacrifice nor endangers one’s life.
The Lord’s encouragement is given in the context of persecution and suffering that Christ’s followers and ministers may expect (Mt. 10:16-42). As believers and ministers, we are encouraged to be aware of such sufferings and persecutions, but not be intimidated or scared by them.
A personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is indeed the only way to eternal salvation. And Christ has sent us into the world with the humility and spirit of sheep (v. 16) rather than a harsh, arrogant, mean spirit from a safe, hiding place.
The testimony of the Resurrected Christ may be harshly rejected (vss.17-30). And Jesus explains that it isn’t only strangers and public officials who will reject it . . . our family and friends will also (v. 21). Yet, the Lord expects a “living faith” before our families, friends, co-workers, and marketplace. These are the difficult places to verbally post faith.
As believers who witness of Christ, we cannot escape the dangerous effects of an ungodly world BUT we must not fear them or let them stop us from witnessing (vss.22-23). The number of texts, posts, and forwarded messages we send won’t impact our faith or denial quotient. As believers, our real test is whether we are witnessing of Christ with authentic faith to those we see everyday.
Dear Father, thank you for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Empower us to witness of his grace to everyone around us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your personal witness of Christ,