It is quite frequent that I run into a cowardly Christian. No, I’m not sitting here trying to attack or belittle someone specifically. I am simply pointing out a character flaw that seems to be expanding itself in the Christian community. It is confusing to wrap my mind around because I don’t understand why anyone would want to be a cowardly Christian. To me, being a Christ-follower is an exciting journey. Each day I get to grow closer to one that created me, each experience I live in life unveils a little more about Jesus. The more I learn, the more I want to talk about Jesus. When I read something in the Bible that is new to me, I want to share it. I am constantly re-reading scripture and watching as the words speak something different to me every time I read them.
We live in a time where a cowardly Christian can hide behind a computer screen. Face-to-face interactions become less and less frequent. We post about every life event on social media. Some people create an artificial version of themselves through the way they conduct themselves online. How often I see the words and actions of individuals don’t match their profile bio. Husband, father, son of God, lover of Jesus. Wife, mother, daughter of God, lover of Jesus. We see it all of the time. Short of a few stupid meme’s, how often do people express their love of Jesus online? How often do people talk about Jesus? What kind of content are we putting out there for people to see?
Cowardly Christian’s lurk in the dark.
I like writing, that is why I wrote a book and started this blog. It excites me to write about random things that God lays on my heart. I love reading the Bible and learning new things every day that I read it. There are certain verses that catch my attention that I feel most people overlook or they intentionally omit them from their study. Each time I read something that sparks my interest, I did into the topic more. I search for commentary on the topic and process that against what the Bible says. Often times I find myself writing a blog about something that I read in my Bible that morning or had a conversation with a fellow brother about.
When I post a blog to my page, I am able to track the views on a particular blog. I find it interesting that I get plenty of views on a particular blog, but yet no comments, no feedback and no interaction. When the blog I write challenges traditional ways of thinking, I get less interaction. I know many pastors and many people that claim to be Christians. Often cowardly Christians lurk in the dark instead of engaging. The non-confrontational behavior it built into their DNA. Maybe they learn something from what I say or maybe they think the blog is trash. We will never know because they are too afraid to engage.
Cowardly Christian’s deny Jesus when put on the spot.
Matthew 10:33 New American Standard Bible
33 But whoever denies Me before people, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
People have no problem chiming in when someone talks smack about their favorite sports team. These same people have no filter when reviewing a local business online. They are so bold that they will engage in most political conversations (eye roll). But when their faith is challenged, these cowardly Christain’s walk away and hide. They no longer have a voice, and they run away from the conversation. The behavior is very similar to Peter when he denied Jesus three times. A big tough guy in the moment pulling a sword in the heat of passion, but a cowardly Christian when confronted with conversation.
John 18:10 New American Standard Bible
10 Then Simon Peter, since he had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus.
Luke 22:54-62 New American Standard Bible
Jesus’ Arrest
54 Now they arrested Him and led Him away, and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. 55 After they kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter was sitting among them. 56 And a slave woman, seeing him as he sat in the firelight, and staring at him, said, “This man was with Him as well.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “I do not know Him, woman!” 58 And a little later, another person saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 And after about an hour had passed, some other man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he, too, is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” And immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 And then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.
Be consistent so that you do not become a cowardly Christian.
There really is a healthy balance between the actions of Peter. On one extreme he was all-in and willing to fight for Jesus. On the other end of the spectrum, he was afraid to tell a slave woman that he knew Jesus. I find it interesting how much of a swing in emotion this is. How can the same person feel so strongly one way and a short while later fell so strongly the other way? There needs to be more consistency in our spiritual walk. I am guilty of this as well. The example that Jesus showed us while on earth was a very consistent deminer. If we focus on making Jesus the center of our universe, then our words and actions will be more consistent. Lots of noise is created by wasted energy on things that are not eternal.
Christians need to be engaging and bold while at the same time remaining humble. We need to do a better job of being a faithful example of the Lord that we serve. Peter showed us what not to do. Most every Christian that I know has read about the sword and the denial of Jesus. Let’s remember that in the end Peter was redeemed for both of his actions. Now is the time to be a bold Christian, not a cowardly Christian. Our example should be a light to lead people towards Jesus. If we are loud when we should be quiet and quiet when we should be loud, how does that further the Kingdom of God? I challenge you to engage, stay humble and lead an example worthy of a follower of Christ.