It occurred to me this morning, as I was reading from John’s Gospel, that there is really nothing cowardly about choosing to not follow Jesus. In fact, to be a spiritual coward it is required that you choose a direction and then not follow through with the purpose that has compelled your heart.

After Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, this is what we see happening among the Pharisees:

John 12:42-43 ESV

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

May we remember my Christian friends, our faith, the life Jesus calls us to live, is not one that can remain healthy in secrecy. This is not because God cannot work in private, but because cowardice is not fertile soul for the work of the gospel. When we have elevated the applause of men over our relationship with God, we should quickly assess our lives.

Make no mistake, it matters greatly if Jesus is the only person you are willing to tell about your faith. It would seem that a faith like that might be in danger of being no faith at all.