JOHN TESH
Coming Out Of The Christian Closet
By John Tesh
Christianity.com -
I think one of the scariest things for us as Christians is to risk sharing
our faith in a secular environment. You know what I'm talking about. Do
I pray before lunch with a bunch of clients? Do I invite a new friend to
church? Do I quote an appropriate Scripture during a dinner party? Do I
hand someone this newsletter (FaithMD)?
The risk is there. You risk making people feel uncomfortable. You risk being
different. You even risk being embarrassed or having a newsletter thrown
in your face. It's an interesting dilemma with burning questions, and I
have the answer. You're on your own!
I know that's the cheap and easy way out, but it's true. No one else can
make the decision for you. My heart was softened on this issue not long
ago at a Promise Keepers conference when Tony Evans, author of The Battle
Is the Lord's, spoke on this very issue. His point was simple.
We have every controversial group in America coming out of the closet, but
many of you Christian men are still hiding in there with the light switch
off and the door locked.
Here you are receiving all of God's truly remarkable blessings, and you
still won't swing open that closet door and tell the world who you are.
Well the time has come, said Evans. You can no longer live your life as
a closet Christian. It's not what God has called you to be!
That was it for me. I was busted. I was a closet case, and he had found
me out. I was enjoying a blessed life while making a mediocre commitment
to my faith. It was a powerful word picture, and it has stuck with me ever
since. What about you? Are you stuck with a closed door, or is it open for
all to see? Is it time to take some serious risks, or do you prefer safety?
If you're looking for advice, here's a hint. Safe will always be boring,
risks will always be exciting, and closets will always be dark.
Copyright 2000 FaithMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
John Tesh's Emmy Award-winning music has brought him international acclaim,
along with two gold albums, over a dozen Top 10 hits, and Grammy and Dove
Award nominations. The former co-host of television's Entertainment
Tonight is also host of The John Tesh Radio Show, syndicated across
the country. The musician, composer, and broadcast journalist also
has launched FaithMD, a monthly newsletter of information and advice
from leading Christian experts. Click on to http://www.faithmd.com/ for
more on the publication.
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