I am a Christian. Jesus paid a ransom for my life, granting me a free pass to an eternity with God. And if you’re a believer, you got one too.
This is the kind of gift that should have us doing cartwheels in the street. Free admittance to paradise? That’s way better than tickets to Disneyland, Six Flags, and SeaWorld combined! News like this is meant to be shared!
And yet … too often, we’d rather blend in.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Stop Hiding Your Faith: Are You Cowardly Instead of Bold?
When your science teacher ridicules the Biblical account of creation, do you speak up or sink down in your seat and hope he doesn’t call on you?
When your friends choose to watch an inappropriate movie, do you walk out or go along with it because you don’t want anyone to question you?
Do you laugh at dirty jokes?
News like this is meant to be shared.
When something wonderful happens, do you give credit to God for the blessing he’s given you, or do you write it off as, “I was just lucky”?
If any of the above sound like you, you’re not alone. The struggle over hiding your faith is common, especially in a world growing increasingly hostile toward people of faith.
“Live a life of bold faith? Sure, I’ll do that—as quietly as possible. Wouldn’t want to upset anybody or make waves.”
Why It’s Important to Live a Life of Bold Faith
I struggled with this in high school. I remember being afraid to pray—even silently—before lunch in the cafeteria, lest someone question or ridicule me. What was I so worried about? I live in a country where my religious freedoms are protected. My life wasn’t in danger because I was praying, even though I attended a public school. Yet there I was, the Cowardly Lion of Christians, afraid to stand out.
When we hide our faith, an encounter between you and I on the street would be like that of two spies who don’t even know we are on the same side.
And that’s a problem.
Because when we hide our faith, an encounter between you and I on the street would be like that of two spies who don’t even know we are on the same side. We’d look at each other with suspicion and move on, both keeping our heads low for fear of being caught.
But guess what, my friend? You and I are holy, and by the very definition of holy—set apart for God—we were made to stand out, so it’s time to stop hiding your faith!
Thank God you don’t have to stand out alone.
A Game With High Stakes
Jesus tells us to let our light shine so that God’s Word may be carried to the ends of the earth:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16, NIV
But it’s not just for the benefit of unbelievers that you should stop hiding your faith. Living boldly as a Christian can help fellow believers, too.
Picture a football game. The players are out on the field, lined up in formation. The center hikes the ball, the quarterback catches it, bodies crash into each other, teammates intermingle with their rivals, a pass is made to a receiver in the end zone, a touchdown is scored.
Now, imagine the same game, but this time the players aren’t wearing uniforms. I suspect this play would be a lot more difficult if Quarterback Justin had no idea which player to throw the ball to in the end zone and Cornerback David had no clue which receiver he was supposed to cover.
If you want to up the stakes of this scenario, imagine how terrifying it would be to fight a life-and-death war on a battlefield where everyone looks the same.
Wear the Uniform of the Team
In many ways, life is like a football game or a battlefield. There are two opposing sides: Jesus’ Warriors and Hell’s Demons. And while I can’t speak for Hell’s Demons, I do know that everyone on Jesus’ Warriors team has a different role, sort of like the different football positions or different branches of the military. When we work together, we make touchdowns in spreading God’s Word.
Imagine how terrifying it would be to fight a life-and-death war on a battlefield where everyone looks the same.
But it’s very difficult to play the game by yourself—and downright scary when you don’t know who’s on your side.
Then suddenly you see someone wearing the Armor of God, and everything changes. You are not alone. You have found someone who is fighting for the same things you are. A teammate, a friend, a fellow soldier.
Put on the Christian uniform and be an encourager! Let your light shine so that your teammates can know you’re there!
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Bible Verses to Help You Live a Life of Bold Faith
- And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
- He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11
Further Resources
I offer some considerations when it comes to sharing your faith with unbelievers in my post Defend Your Faith: Win the Argument, Lose the Battle?
In her article, To the Christian Who Isn’t Persecuted: Don’t Hide Your Faith, Sarah Susanna Rhomberg lays out what the privilege and responsibility it is to live in a country that has religious freedom and why Christians should stop hiding their faith.