We live in increasingly hostile times where religion is concerned. Most recently, radical Islam has really stoked a backlash against religion. People, like Bill Maher and other outspoken critics, point to all the problems in the world arising from religion. They cite the Crusades, the Salem witch trials, the Westboro Baptist Church (the late Fred Phelps), and the current spread of ISIS as evidence the world would be better off without religion.
While this may still be the minority view, there is a growing sense that we would be better off if we kept our faith to ourselves or at least restricted to among like-minded people. The message is, “if you must have faith, just don’t push it on us.” But many of us have experienced what “push it on us” really means. It means, “don’t display it or talk about it in front of me.” Thus, there can be a dampening effect on expressing our love for Jesus. It is easier and less awkward if we just keep it to ourselves.
But look at what the Hebrew writer says. We are to continually offer God “a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” “Openly” is the key word here. Our praise of God, of Jesus, is not to be limited to behind closed doors or merely among like-minded believers. No, it is to be out there for all to hear and see. And given the context provided by the verses coming before this, we should expect harassment and ridicule, just as Jesus did.
Now I don’t think the Hebrew writer has in mind for his readers to go out and scream the name of Jesus in public places, or to stand on the street corner holding signs or reading Scripture aloud. Rather, I think he means for us to be natural with our praise. It shouldn’t ever be fake. Our praise should come from what we actually think and feel. Like when we fall in love, we cannot help talking about that person. Some people might get tired of hearing it, but we never grow weary of expressing our love for him or her.
The second part of this, and equally important, is that our praise be backed up by our deeds. I can talk much about how I love my wife, but what will really impress people (and her) is if the way I treat her actually reflects what comes from my lips. If we are openly praising the Lord while living an exemplary life, the latter gives legitimacy to the former.
Today, consider how you might openly praise the Lord. Perhaps it could be with friends or co-workers, the bank teller, a professor, or the convenience store clerk. Remember, there should be no shame in praising the One we love, regardless of what others may think.
© Jim Musser 2014
No comments:
Post a Comment