Why are we afraid?
One of the major reasons Christians often tell me they find it difficult to talk to others about their faith is that they are afraid. Afraid of what? Afraid of rejection, ridicule, afraid of looking stupid, of not knowing what to say. Afraid of losing friends, or respect, or popularity. Afraid of being asked Christians views on politics, or afraid of being labelled with the "lunatic fringe". I've been afraid too. But I want to suggest that perhaps this is not a reason to hold back from sharing our faith.
Acts 25 continues the saga of Paul's arrest and trial. Reading the chapter seems all very political and must have been very frustrating for Paul. However, more than that, he was at risk of imprisonment and even death. Let me just share a few short verses from this chapter - some of the few words spoken by Paul here:
Acts 25:10-11
10Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
In the midst of being dragged around for trial Paul puts it all on the line. He says 'I've done nothing wrong, but if I deserve to die, then so be it.' He has no fear of death. He appeals that he is innocent of the charges. He stands up for himself. But he also says, quite calmly it seems, I'm not afraid to die. Paul is an exceptional example of a disciple of Jesus. But he walks as we do - in the shadow of the cross of Jesus. The empty cross. He follows a living Saviour. He follows the risen Lord Jesus. He has no reason to fear death if that is what awaits him.
As Paul continues to share the gospel from town to town, he thinks nothing of losing his life for the gospel. Yet, in the comfort of our modern society, it seems we often hold back our faith because of much smaller fears. I say this not to make us feel guilty. And it is not something I excuse myself from. I am often lacking the boldness to share my own faith. Sometimes I find myself talking with someone thinking "How can I share my faith in this conversation", and before I know it, the opportunity is over.
So as we look at Paul's example, and we realise perhaps our own failures in not being so bold, and holding onto fears which are not worth a great deal, let me make one simple suggestion: Don't give up. Don't give up trying to share your faith. Don't give up looking for opportunities. Each time we decide not to quit, we get a step closer to actually making the step we're afraid to make. Don't give up. Maybe your life is not at stake like Paul's. But our situation is the same as his in one way - we are also surrounded by people who need to hear the good news of Jesus.
Don't give up trying.
Prayer
Father, help me in my weakness, and in my fear, to make the most of opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus with others. Help me especially to find an opportunity to talk with... <insert names of non-believers you know here>.
Give me the words to speak. But most of all, please give me the heart to keep trying, especially when I am afraid.
Amen.