14TH APRIL
John 12:42-43
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
Does your fear of being a witness point to a deeper issue?
The people in these verses had believed in Jesus. They had received the blessing that comes with that. But God’s design is that the blessing we receive in salvation will overflow from our lives into the lives of those around us. In fact, the best part of salvation is becoming a part of God’s redemptive work in the lives of the people around us!
It’s okay to feel nervous about talking with people about Jesus, but it’s not okay to let that nervousness hold you back. Today God is challenging us not to let what other people think of us become more important than what he thinks of us. Behind every choice are your values that drive the choice. Make sure that you give God’s opinion of your actions a higher value than people’s opinions.
Step out and start spiritual conversations with people. You will feel your heavenly Father’s pleasure and know that you made the right choice. And many times you will find that your fears were unfounded and that people around you are also glad to talk about these things.
MAKE IT PERSONAL:
Commit to start a spiritual conversation with someone this week. Who is someone you could do that with? Why did you choose this person?