Denying Christ or Denying Self?

We read the account of Peter's denial of Christ during the time of His trial and we shake our heads.

How could he do that? How could this man who had been so close to Jesus deny that he even knew Him? (John 18).

Yet, how easily do we deny Christ every day?

And does it even bother us?

When we have an opportunity to witness about how He has given us salvation, but we say nothing, we have denied Christ.

When we attempt to solve our problems in our own strength, we deny Christ.

When we give in to our temptations, rather than calling to Him for help, we deny Christ.

When we become complacent in our spiritual growth, we deny Christ.

When we become careless in our attitudes, lazy in our spiritual lives, adamant about preferences, we deny Christ.

Christ knew that Peter would deny Him. The Savior even told Peter that it would happen.

Christ also was compassionate and gracious in forgiving Peter.

And He didn't give up on Peter (John 21).

Look at the might preacher that Peter became in Acts.

He'll do the same with us. He knows that we will deny Him more easily than we will deny ourselves. Yet He will forgive us and use us - over and over again!

What a gracious, loving and forgiving Savior we have!