One of the most difficult things to do as a follower of Jesus is to understand when to speak up in regards to our faith. And, just to clarify, when I say, “speak up” I mean with a literal, audible voice, or sign-language if you are deaf – not a social media platform.
When I was younger, I spoke up more, but after several rejections of various intensities, I began to speak up less and less.
When I was a new follower of Jesus, I shared the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus with many family members and friends. I don’t remember having any pre-conceived expectations, but I was shocked by the responses.
I was shocked by angry responses. I was shocked by indifference. I was shocked, finally, in a good way, by some conversions, but conversions were always the less frequent response.
The angry responses are what made me gun-shy. As I read the Bible more and more, I began to see a similar pattern of response all throughout the Scriptures. On some level, all of the prophets were rejected. Jesus was rejected. The Apostles were rejected. And far into the future, I was rejected.
I didn’t understand at first that rejection was not rejection of me, but of Christ. I also didn’t realize then that to be rejected because of Jesus is an honor because it makes me more like Him.
When it comes to speaking up, the Bible has a lot to say. Today we will begin to seek to understand in Acts chapter 15, when to speak up and how to speak up in defense of our Lord and our faith.
Just like anything else, there are good ways to go about speaking up and not so good ways. It’s my prayer that we will all be better emboldened and equipped to speak up more as we observe how they went about it in the early years of the church.
Much love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
