This is a tough question that everyone answers differently because each of our walks with the Lord are unique. But an even tougher question is:
Have you come out of the closet about your faith?
For so long, I hid behind my faith. I was afraid I would be called a hypocrite or liar. But then I realized that at the end of the day I am a hypocrite and liar; I am human, but because of my faith I do not carry the shame and guilt of my actions. I have faith, faith that has changed my heart towards living for more than the approval of man. Faith that offers forgiveness. Faith that is capable of moving mountains, calming seas, and even changing a harden heart such as mine.
So... Why come out of the closet about my faith?
I realized that all my flaws and failures do not define me, my identity in Christ defines me. My security and foundation is in Him, and I am part of His body. (1 Peter 2:5)
1. Why? You get to live to honor God:
It sounds so easy but it is hard. Even I catch myself comparing my actions with the old law. It is a trap that satan uses to negate believers. Because of Christ sacrifice we no longer are under the old covenant of the law. We are set free to live a life honoring God, yet not burdened by out faults and failures. When you change your lifestyle people will notice, the fruit of the spirit flows from your actions and behaviors.
Ephesians 5:8-9 [for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.]
2. How: Go and preach the gospel to all nations:
What does this even mean? You may say I have no money to travel, let alone the time to learn another language. Well there are multiple options, 1. There are international organizations in place that preach the gospel to foreign nations. For as little as $38 a month, you can sponsor a child in a foreign country, so that they may hear the gospel (http://www.compassion.com/). or 2. You can sponsor a missionary in their work abroad with money or supplies. After Jesus arose from the grave he proclaimed the gospel to the eleven commanding them to:
Mark 16:15 [And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.]
3. Conclusion: Love will have the final word:
What is love? that one will lay down their life for another? That is the ultimate act of love. A scandalous act by Jesus to offer us hope. He is the shepard that knew his sheep were helpless without him.
Mark 10:14-18 [“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3amV1cgARHI
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