In the first Batman movie the lead actor is trying to tell his girlfriend that he is Batman. He has come to her place and is stumbling for words. During his attempt the girlfriend is going in and out of the room making the exchange next to impossible. In her absence he is saying to himself, "I'm Batman." seemingly trying to convince himself as much as he is prepping to tell her. Just as he gets up the nerve, the evil villain appears and the moment is gone. This could be the story line for many. Especially for the Christian this seems to be the repeated experience. Why are we afraid to tell the truth of whose we are? "I'm a Christian." Not said with timidity or embarrassment. Not said in a manner to be politically correct or to avoid offending anyone of other faiths. Not with the regret that "now what will they think of me" mindset. Rather confidentially stating "I am a Christian!" with knowledge that you are and that you are not ashamed of the Gospel that brings life to all who believe. Batman finally tells her and their relationship continues. It's more like he was found out though as the butler brings her to the Bat cave. Are you one person before people find out and another afterwards? Are you one person at work, another person at church, another person with your friends, or another person with you spouse and kids? If you are then perhaps you are having difficulty really telling the truth.
Who do we identify with and why? People are telling me often that they don't like labeling others in anyway that would be identifying the truth. When I've been caught in a sin, people don't dance around the issue. They say, "Steve, you have sinned. You know better." and they are right. I don't mind the label of sinner as it's a lot better than self-righteous. People have told me that my driving is not the best. Okay, sometimes it's not. No one's driving behavior is always right. I spent 8 years as a police officer and have many hours of driving to lean on. Taking that to civilian life doesn't make sense so I've adjusted my driving. When I talk about subjects where God has clearly provided his input, I don't apologize for calling thoughts, words, and deeds for what they are. That doesn't make me some sort of religious nut. What it makes me is someone who has a standard. People can identify the negative in another's life with ease and the Christian seems to do this without any of Christ's input. Do you tell the truth to uplift yourself or Christ? Do you tell the truth to face the way you are living or to have false humility so people will leave you alone? Why is telling the truth that we are sinners saved by the grace of God so difficult for Christians. I would suggest it comes out of the fear of what others will think whether it's in the workplace, neighborhood, church or in your home.
Paul was a very changed man when he switched teams and Saul died. Paul says that "I am not ashamed of the Gospel that has the power to save." Now I'm not saying that you need to suffer beating, stoning, sneaking out of cities, inciting riots and such to be a witness of the hope that is within you. Paul had no problem telling all (whether they wanted to listen or not) that he was dead and that Christ lived within him. He didn't wait around for someone to ask him, "Are you a Christian?" Everyone near and far knew that Paul was a Christian. God lived through him in a very "out loud" manner. Well, I'm not called to be Paul you say. True, you are not. You are, however, called to proclaim Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You are called to live life in such a way that people know that you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and might and love your neighbor as yourself. You are called to bring the Good News (Jesus) to your sphere of influence. Why aren't you doing that? Why do you struggle with telling the truth? If you are a Christian, let everyone know it. Don't wait for people to ask you. Live your life in such a way that they say to you, "You're a Christian aren't you." It's always your choice.
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