Ever have a friend who only feels safe when privately telling you they really do believe in the bible? Ever have that same friend tell you what they believe the bible is speaking? Put them in a group setting at work or social gatherings and they look to blend in with everyone else. Nothing about them would appear different from anyone around them. This is nothing new at all. Jesus never taught in secret, yet he had disciples who believed in Him, but only secretly. They were so fearful of what others would think of them, they’d never openly say, “this Man speaks truth”. All of these people went to church. (CEV John 19:38b …was one of Jesus’ disciples. He had kept it secret though, because he was afraid of the Jewish leadership.)
A disciple is one who believes the Word as truth. Truth will never be anything more or less. To follow truth will take courage. From Mark 10:32b “…and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid.”
I am one of those who are afraid. My courage melts in the reality of understanding who God is. Daily I ask for His courage to continue to follow Him knowing how afraid I am. Yes, I too have fear of what others think of my belief in truth. What are my options? Will I be a secret disciple, secure in my position among my peers, or will I openly declare what I know as truth?