Are You a Secret Disciple?

June 29, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33

When something really matters to you, it is hard to keep it a secret. As we approach another presidential election in November 2024, we will hear much chatter about who supports whom. Opinions will abound, sides will be taken, tempers will flare, and votes will be cast. Very few people will hide their allegiance towards their preferred candidate. The same truth applies to favorite sports teams. Fans fanatically show allegiance to their beloved team. They demonstrate their loyalty in the myriad of merchandise they own and through other fanfare.

If people speak clearly and openly share their preference for a presidential candidate or a sports team, shouldn’t they also speak clearly about the god they worship and follow? Jesus certainly made his allegiance clear, and he told his disciples what it meant to follow him faithfully. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus explained no such thing as a secret disciple existed. One will either acknowledge Jesus as the Lord or deny him; both choices will have eternal consequences.

Acknowledge Jesus, and he will acknowledge you. Deny Jesus, and he will deny you. These words may sound harsh, yet they are a stark reminder that your words have power. Your allegiances also have power, so you must consider your words and allegiances in this life carefully. Spurgeon said it this way in one of his sermons, “What Christ is to you on earth, that you will be to Christ in heaven. I shall repeat that truth. Whatever Jesus Christ is to you on earth, you will be to him on the day of judgement. If he be dear and precious to you, you will be precious and dear to him. If you thought everything of him, he will think everything of you”.

Who is Jesus to you? Your Savior, friend, God, the one worthy of your worship and adoration? Does your life reflect your answer to this question? Do your words and actions reflect your profession of faith? Jesus calls you to be his disciple, to publicly profess your faith in him and to walk in obedience to his word. When you profess with your mouth and live according to his teachings, there will be no doubt in heaven or on earth as to whom you serve.

If Jesus is the Lord of your life, make that visible and audible to the world, and your reward will be great in heaven!

Reflection:

Do people at your work or in your neighborhood know about your faith in Jesus? Are you being called to be more public in your faith? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resources:

Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.