Do you ever hesitate to identify with Christ? Do you do that to keep from getting in trouble or offending someone? I find that I do at times. I am not sure what that says about me. Probably nothing good.
Several times in the past few weeks I have chosen to identify with people who I did not know. I was talking to a lady who identified herself as a Buddhist. I told her I worked with underground churches in a country that was hostile to Christianity. She remarked that like Buddha, Christ was a great teacher. I politely disagreed with her using C. S. Lewis’ liar or lunatic example. She was offended.
Often though I find that when I share my belief in Christ with strangers they turn out to be believers. We end up encouraging one another.
I have been places that to self identify is considered proselytizing which results in expulsion or incarceration. So far that is not the case here. Writing this 2 Timothy 2:8 – 13 leapt to mind. It is our responsibility to identify with Christ, regardless of what others think or do in response. I do not do that well. To hold back is to deny who I am.
Several times in the past few weeks I have chosen to identify with people who I did not know. I was talking to a lady who identified herself as a Buddhist. I told her I worked with underground churches in a country that was hostile to Christianity. She remarked that like Buddha, Christ was a great teacher. I politely disagreed with her using C. S. Lewis’ liar or lunatic example. She was offended.
Often though I find that when I share my belief in Christ with strangers they turn out to be believers. We end up encouraging one another.
I have been places that to self identify is considered proselytizing which results in expulsion or incarceration. So far that is not the case here. Writing this 2 Timothy 2:8 – 13 leapt to mind. It is our responsibility to identify with Christ, regardless of what others think or do in response. I do not do that well. To hold back is to deny who I am.
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