2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  NASB

I had a person tell me a few years ago that they did not let their co-workers know they were Christians because they feared discrimination in the workplace as a result.   I have known a number of people in my Christian walk who are what I call ‘Secret Christians’ because they do not want the people they work with or do business with to know about their faith. 

My problem with that is that it falls dangerously close to what Jesus said in Matthew 10:33regarding denying Him before men.  While those individuals I allude to did not actually ‘deny’ Jesus, they demonstrated a certain shame and fear of others knowing about their belief in Him. 

That puts them in the position and condition preventing them from fulfilling the Lord’s Commission to “Go into all the world…”  It frees them from the watchful eye of those observing their behavior and words, and they could easily lapse into activity or conversation that would not be becoming for a believer without those around them questioning their relationship or Christianity. 

Some have even told me that by doing this, they escaped the possibility of becoming a ‘stumbling block’ to others.  My response was, “Really?”  They do fall into the category that Jesus described in Mark 8:38, where He said that if we are ‘ashamed’ of him in this wicked generation, He will be ‘ashamed’ of us in the Day of Judgment.

If I am ashamed of Jesus and hide my faith, that causes me to wonder if I have faith!  I am not trying to be the judge of another and will leave that to God, but can anyone be comfortable being a ‘Secret Christian’?  Jesus told us not to fear those who could destroy the body and, in that, destroy our livelihood on earth but to fear Him who could destroy the soul. 

He also asked pointedly, “What would a man give in exchange for his soul? What would be the profit of gaining the whole world and losing the soul?”  Obviously, there would only be earthly and temporary gain but eternal loss.

I am not suggesting that you must be out on the streets, knocking on every door you see and giving a specific witness verbally to everyone you meet. That might not be God’s desire, but you can and should always give a ‘silent visual witness’ by your life, words, and deeds.  Then, be ready always to give answer to every man for the reason of hope that is within you. 

You do not have to and should not wear your Christianity on your sleeve and become obnoxious in trying to convert and witness to everyone.  Some are not ready, will not receive, and your actions will only push them further away, not bring them near.  Listen to the voice inside and follow your heart, but always manifest the ‘Life of Christ’ and the ‘Character of Jesus’ in your life. 

You will be surprised how many people ask about what it is that makes you different.  Some will ridicule but many will come inquiringly and hungrily wanting more than what they have and have seen in others and even churches.  You are letters known and read of men!

So, as you go through life, go with pride that you are a follower of Jesus!  Know that as you manifest Him, others will see, and some will respond favorable to His nudging and tugging of their heart strings.  

May the bountiful blessings of the LORD be with you as you go through your day!