For many years, I let the fear of what others think keep me a prisoner. I was too shy to break those bonds and freely speak up.
Lately, I've been writing that coming into your fifties is wonderful because you have finally shook off those fears and are willing to be who you are. Who cares if people don't like what you say?
It's a free country ... isn't it?
Paul didn't have the luxury of free speech. People took exception to what he had to say. In fact, they hated his message so much, they tried to beat the messenger to death. Sometimes, he got put into prison for his speeches.
But that didn't happen at Corinth.
Acts 18:9-10
Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”
Paul kept on preaching and won Gentiles and even the Jewish leader of the synagogue to Christ. The other Jews tried to imprison him but the authorities didn't want to mess with religious cases and threw it out of court.
Paul had favor and had no reason to fear. The Lord said no one would attack him to hurt him. When God tells you that you can depend on it.
Am I saying that if you preach Jesus you will never suffer harm? No. We all know that we live in a sinful world that mistreats Christ-followers. But if God says you won't be harmed, you won't.
I was thinking about this and remembered my pastor's wife, Ellen Hart, who sang the song, I'll Tell the World that I'm a Christian, back in the day when I was a teenager: I looked for the song on YouTube and found this sweet little kids group version:
(Subscribers will have to click through to my blog to view video)
What about you? Are you afraid to speak up and tell the world you are a Christian? Do you think we have reason to fear identifying with Christ?
How about speaking up when you believe God is directing you to do something unpopular? Something you believe is biblical but the Christian community doesn't see it the same way you do? Knowing that sometimes the family of God wounds its own?
What then?
In the end, what matters most is fulfilling what Christ has called you to do. If He asks you to share a controversial message, be it among pagans or fellow pilgrims, you must speak up. It will be like a "fire shut up in your bones" until you do!
I'm sharing this at the #TellHisStory community at JenniferDukesLee.com because I believe it is everyone's duty to speak up and share the story.
I'm also tagging this as one of my Fearless posts because I believe when He directs you to speak, He will take away the fear.
Yes, may we bravely speak of Christ through word and deed, no matter how old or young. I can hear the bravery in your words. Thanks for the contagious encouragement to share Christ.
ReplyDeleteHere in my community, I have no problem saying I'm a Christian, and walking in the faith. However, I think often of people in other countries (and even in other U.S. communities) who feel real persecution for their faith. Thank you for sharing with #TellHisStory. I always appreciate your wise words and good questions.
ReplyDeleteDear Jerralea
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are saying about that fire burning in the bones until you speak up! I feel strongly that I need to share many terrible things that has happened to me in the name of Christianity. It is not always easy, but definitely better than having fire in the bones!!!
Blessings
Mia
It amazes me to think that Paul wrote so many of his letters in prison and not knowing when or if he would make it out alive. And then the beatings he lived through. When I go into the city, I feel like I am a true ambassador for Christ. I was just talking about this with my youngest this morning. He said he wanted to go straight to heaven. I said he was needed down here to tell and show people about God who don't know him. He said he didn't know anyone who didn't believe in God. I assured him he will meet plenty along life's way.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that sometimes I'm most afraid to say what I really think to...other Christians, for fear of being judged. But, nonetheless, I want to be more like you, and be more bold, the older I get. I hit 50 a few months ago, so I can do it. ha.
ReplyDelete