Passive Denial

When I was in high school and college, I had several different types of jobs.  Cutting grass for several families, working at a car wash, doing construction and selling shoes at an athletic store were just a few things that I did to make money.  One of the things I remember was how I looked forward to punching that time clock and getting off work.  To me, that was ultimate freedom!

In contrast, the Christian life isn’t a 9 to 5 job that has a time clock.  Giving your heart to Jesus Christ is an eternal decision.  You are signing over your soul for the service of our Lord and Savior, and there is never a time where you can “punch-out”.

Peter was a loyal disciple of Jesus and probably the most gung-ho Christian that has ever walked this earth.  On the night of the last supper, he was shocked when Jesus told him “before the rooster crows 3 times you will deny me.” Peter was adamant that he would never deny Christ, but sure enough, he lied on 3 different occasions about knowing Jesus.

The rooster crows on us everyday when we don’t speak the truth.  As a Christian, God doesn’t give us the option of keeping our mouths shut when we have conversations with others.  If we have an opportunity to speak the truth about God’s word but choose not to do so, we are passively denying Christ the same way Peter did publicly.  There is no difference between the two.

 

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said “Coexist”.  It was spelled with all types of different religious symbols.  In the minds of most people, that is what is required to get along in the world.  The teachings that “There is more than one way to get to heaven” is society’s new religion.  To disagree automatically makes you close minded, bigoted or in the eyes of the world intolerant.

God’s word says differently.  As Christians, we answer to God’s word and it’s truths.  The Bible teaches us that “No one comes to the Father except through the Son.”  That isn’t popular or politically correct, but it is the truth.  God requires us to speak that to others (in love) no matter what the cost.

Today, keep in mind that Christ paid for you with His own blood.  You were bought for a price.  His only requirement in return is that you stand for truth in every conversation.

Verse for today:  Matthew 26:33-34

 33Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."

 34"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

(NIV)