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I was a milk toast Christian for many years, a closet Christian that would feel people out before discussing my faith. I did not want to defend or share my Christianity with others. I had timid faith and more concern over what the world thought of me than what God thought of me. I was afraid to be judged by the world, my fear should have been in the judgment of God. Because I suffered from “weak faithitis” it was easy for me to excuse my conduct and the conduct of others, to justify why I was not in scripture, to explain away my lack of church attendance, and to normalize sin.
Jump into Matthew at verse 5 and finish it up at verse 31, it is just over 500 words and will set the stage. If you do not have a Bible nearby but you have a smartphone, the Internet has a solution! Countless amazing Bible applications or just use your favorite search engine to deliver the verse into your hands in seconds. Do it now, I’ll wait! 🙂
27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
Matthew 10:27 NIV
Bold faith. Jesus wants the disciples (and us) to be aware that the path, following him is not without adversity but there are greater things to fear than fleshly persecution. Attached to this verse encouraging the disciples to go out and proclaim the goodness of God is a verse that should make us think about our priorities as Christians.
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28 NIV
That is some profound scripture right there! They are being told to expect persecution in Verse 5-29 but also being encouraged to answer a question that as Christians we should all be asking ourselves to avoid stagnation of our faith. What are you afraid of? Is it a fleshly death of the body or the death of the body and the soul in hell? Lord forgive me for the times my faith was timid if I have to pick you or the world, I will pick you every time!
When it comes to my Christian faith, I have no idea what persecution looks like. I have never had to deal with the challenges the disciples encountered or even what those who practice Christianity in other areas of the world experience. Christians are thrown in jail and executed daily for their faith. Those who suffer and die because of their Christianity are not expendable to God, they are precious. You are so precious to God, you are not expendable, you are deeply loved! You are not a toy soldier; you are a mighty warrior in the Lord’s army.
Give me strength Lord! May I never hesitate to share your Word and my faith boldly with everyone. Let them feel your presence through my thoughts and actions. Thank you for loving me deeply through all seasons of my life. Grow my faith to weather the storm of persecution and adversity for the treasure is not in the flesh it is in the eternal life through you Jesus. -Amen
May the words that flow from me Lord be filled with Your message and when I am obedient may they be backed by the Holy Spirit. When I serve righteously let none of the words, I utter in praise of You fall to the ground. Help me to craft every word, may they pierce hearts and refresh weary souls. This gift is Yours; God I simply aim to use it for your glory.
–Love Cortney