A Reason For Embarrassment….

Have you ever gotten caught up in trying to answer critics and scoffers of the Christian faith? Have you ever been stumped by a question or statement leaving you feeling stupid or embarrassed? The reason why we feel this way is because we have one foot in this world, while the other is standing on eternal ground. We try to answer the objector with logic or in a worldly manner. It’s because of this that we struggle. Jeremiah was told by God Himself that if he adopted this kind of mentality, he would look foolish in front of those he spoke with. We look foolish to people when we present God’s truth to unbelievers already. So when we adopt this worldly attitude of trying to give answers from any other perspective than God’s perspective, we embarrass ourselves even more. The key is to stick to the Gospel. We are to fear God more than man. If we don’t have a rational answer then simply say “I don’t have an answer” and get back with them when you do a little more research (in prayer). We embarrass ourselves when we leave the simple plan of God’s salvation by fearing man more than God. Jeremiah may have been called the weeping prophet because he stuck with God’s plan, and he may have been mistreated for it as well. He knew what people were missing out on, and that made him mourn for these people. But we know God rewarded him for his faithfulness and protected him in times of trouble and despair. We must remember his example when it comes to dealing with the nay sayers. Stick to the agenda of presenting the Gospel. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in illogical, worldly thinking. The reason why these opposing people go there by asking questions is solely because they are trying to avoid the main question. And that question is, “How do I deal with my sin problem? What do I have to do to be made right with God?” The Gospel answers this. And by sticking with the Gospel you actually give them the answer they need but not necessarily are wanting to hear. You show them real love by addressing their needs not their desires. Sticking with the Gospel eliminates all the rabbit trails Satan wants us to go down, so the true issue of salvation doesn’t get addressed, for He knows the truth sets people free when they embrace it. Worldly fear always tends to pull us away from God, and eventually embarrasses us even more. So the proper solution to conquer fear is to put fear in its rightful place by fearing God (more than man), that way you won’t lose focus when interacting with people and stick to the only thing that will save them, the Good News of Jesus.

17 “Get up and prepare for action.Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say.Do not be afraid of them,or I will make you look foolish in front of them. Jeremiah 1:17