It has been said, “Secrets are made to be found out with time.” At some point in our lives, we all have kept a secret. Secrets, no matter the reason for keeping them, generally are not good. We can end up lying to cover up the secret we are trying to keep. Keeping most secrets is not good, but we as Christians especially should not keep our love for Christ secret.
John 12:42 says, Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him;… What a wonderful statement! As Jesus was going through Jerusalem days before His crucifixion, the Bible records that some of the rulers of that city believed in Him. However, the tone changes as we look at the rest of the verse. It says, …but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: How sad! These rulers believed on Jesus but were too afraid to confess Him openly. The Bible gives an even sadder statement where it says in verse 43, For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
As I thought about this passage, I felt sadness. These men were chief rulers. They were leaders among the people and were looked up to by many. Imagine the difference they could have made if they had openly confessed Christ! Imagine the souls that would have been saved! Yet, they did not do this for a few reasons. First, they were afraid of the Pharisees. Second, they preferred men’s approval over the favor of God.
As I read this, my first response was to criticize and judge. How dare these men not openly confess Christ! What cowards! However, upon further reflection, I began to feel convicted. I asked myself, “How many times have my actions closely resembled those of these rulers? How many times have I acted like a “secret” Christian?”
I thought about the many times I have failed to pass out an invitation to church or to witness to someone. Why do I do this? I am afraid of what people will think or am afraid of being rejected. Many times, I have felt great excitement for the things of the Lord, but I have tempered my excitement. Why do I do this? Perhaps it is so that I do not look like a fanatical Christian.
Now more than ever before, we need to be enthusiastic about confessing Christ before men. We ought not to be afraid to be a witness for Christ. We have the greatest news in the world, and this world needs to hear it! Fellow Christians, especially the younger generation, need to see that serving Christ is still worth it. Do not be a secret Christian!
by Sara Martinez
