Undercover Christian?

I met a couple a few weeks ago who had once been super involved in church, got burned out, and then retreated. The husband admitted that over the last few years, he had become an undercover Christian. He was still a good person, but there was never any overt display of his Christ-centered life. He'd go to church faithfully but never really talk about that or God or what God was doing in his life. His testimony, though extensive, was shut up in his sealed lips. And it wasn't until recently when the Lord began to prick his heart did he realize that he had turned into an Undercover Christian.

Some of you can relate to this world. You have great intentions and love the Lord with all your heart. Maybe somewhere along the way you were hurt. Perhaps you were disillusioned by something someone said or did who professed to be a Christian. Maybe you didn't want to be like so many other public Christians who simply came off as hypocritical. So you keep your nose to grindstone and your lips zipped.

I am reminded of Queen Esther who was presented with a similar predicament. She had an extreme love for God but had settled into living out that love in private. However, contrary what society would have you believe, faith is not supposed private. Faith should be one of the most public things you live out. Just like your favorite sports team or hobby that preoccupies your time and mind, faith should be that thing that EVERYbody knows about because you purposely enter into conversations where you're always "name dropping" God. It doesn't mean being obnoxious, but it shouldn't be a secret. And, like Esther, there comes a time for every Undercover Christian to come out of hiding "for such a time as this".

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise 

for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. 

Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"  

                                                                                            Esther 4:14 (NKJV)



(When you get the chance, read the whole 4th chapter of Esther.) The Spirit of the Lord has been gnawing at my spirit with the statement that this is the season for bold movement. This is the season to "go" and be bold in the process--unapologetic for doing what God has been pushing you to do. This is the season where remaining in hiding and silent is your choice, but not the best option. So I encourage you today...pull back the covers and claim your rightful inheritance. Like Esther, we have to be willing to risk it all for God and stop worrying about what other people may think and/or do. Move into the things of God boldly knowing that God's glory will prevail.

Be encouraged as you move!

Blessings,
MinD