Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of our soul that is never expressed outwardly is not true faith, when the profession of that faith is never revealed to another, it is no less than a self-inflicted delusion.
This truth is the exact opposite of Matthew 15:8.
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
Perhaps you have met this person, when invited to church, they will respond with the belief that being out in nature is just as much of a fellowship with the Lord as the corporeal setting of the assembly of believers. It’s quite simple with this one, ask them if they take their Bible with them out into nature, fall to their knees and seek His face.
You can probably guess the look from them you will receive.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
What are we to think of the one though who seems righteous, but never seeks for the lost, who does not speak of the Lord Jesus Christ in public, even those who do attend church services somewhere, who does not forsake the assembling of those who also profess His name, yet seems to seek the praise of men above the things of God?
Simple questions asked of them about their walk with the Lord they profess to have, their testimony of the life they had before the salvation they say they live in, even of those they have reached out to with the truths of the Scriptures are met with negative responses from them. You will be called judgmental, self-righteous, in a way, your questions are unwelcomed by them, for they believe this path they suppose themselves to be on is between God and them.
You have also met that person.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
These we speak of know certain verses, how could they not, they have sat in the congregation for many years, they have heard the truths of the Word of God, yet that Word they have heard is hid in a heart that is still stone.
In many churches, this person is never questioned about their faith, they are presumed to be one of the assembly because they rarely miss a Sunday morning service. They always arrive in their finest attire, with a smile, a hug or a firm handshake. They are as welcome in the church as they are by those in the world, but you will not hear the name of the Lord Jesus Christ from their lips outside of those doors, they will not seek for the lost, they will not profess the faith they say they have to anyone, for to them, that would be judging.
The lowliest maid in the largest household whose heart is set on the Lord Jesus Christ will find someway to express her love for the Lord to others and will offer His love to them as well.
“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)
Are these this short letter to you today speaks of embarrassed, do they fear to speak of the Almighty because it may cause them to lose their stature in the community, because they will seem weaker in the eyes of others? Do they fear that they will no longer be accepted by those they know in the world, possibly lose acquaintances, friends and even family members?
Or do they believe that it is not their place to spread the good news of the Word of God, it is not their responsibility?
They believe the Almighty meets them at the door of the church every Sunday morning, and that is where they leave Him when they depart.
You have met this person; I pray you do not see him in the mirror.
