"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" (John 12:42).
How could they be so foolish?
How could I be so foolish?
God gives me opportunities to witness, sometimes just dropping them in my lap. Yet, I choose to keep my mouth closed. I don't want people to think I'm some Jesus freak. I don't want to ruin a friendship. There will be other times. Just not now.
God gives me opportunities to talk with other believers about what He has been teaching me. What should be more natural conversation on Sundays in the foyer at church? But I think that they don't really care. Or that I'll sound hyper-spiritual. Or that I'd rather just listen to them talk about their week on the farm.
God gives me opportunities to do what is right. A good deed. Flee temptation. Help someone. But I choose to keep on going. Someone else will take care of it. No one will know if I give in this one time...again.
How about a paraphrase of John 12:42: "Nevertheless, I say that I believe in Him, but for fear of what others might think of me, I don't say anything to anyone. I don't want them to cut me out of their circles."
Look at the next verse:
"...for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God" (v 43).
Let's see, I'm trading the praise of God for friendships that will only last a few years. I'm trading the blessings of God for an evening of meaningless conversations around the table. I'm trading a few minutes of pleasantries for the opportunity to lead someone to Christ, to disciple them and to see them change and grow.
How could I be so foolish?
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