Announcing/proclaiming to others where I stand was no easy task a number of years ago. Even though I was saved over 35 years ago, I was not in the habit of letting everyone know where I stood in reference to God. It was not until a few years ago when I chose the word “stand” as my word of the year that I became more assertive and outspoken with regard to my relationship with Christ.
“29But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’” – Acts 5:29-32 (ESV)
In the verses above, Peter and the apostles were stating their case as to why it was they were preaching and teaching the gospel even after being jailed and freed by the Holy Spirit. They found themselves standing for Christ and proclaiming Him even though they were fairly certain of the outcome for doing so. Yet, it was through their faith and obedience they continued in their actions of announcing their relationship with God.
How about that, being so committed to Christ to do His will even in the face of certain punishment. Not only obeying God, but doing so overtly and making sure that everyone was aware as to where their loyalties lie, with Christ.
After some discussion the apostles were punished and sent out.
““38So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” – Acts 5:38-42 (ESV)
My eyes and thoughts go to the last 2 verses above where the apostles know that they did right by sticking with God and even though they were told not to continue teaching and preaching, they continued to obey God by doing just that which man told them not to.
For me, I have to be bolder still in my proclamation of God in my life. I have to let it known that I am following and obeying God. Not that the laws and actions set out by man are wrong, but that my accountability is to God and not man. I am bound to obedience of my heavenly Father and less so to the laws of man.
When you are out in the world, who is it that you proclaim to obey? Are you concealing your obedience to God for the sake of saving face to man? Are you willing to proclaim your obedience to God even in the face of certain punishment?
Trevor's Thoughts 