Does the Insider Movement contradict Jesus at this point, if it advises converts to sublimate their public profession or to remain as hidden believers or to hide their light under a bushel? To make things crystal clear, Jesus then gives a summary comparison: “Anyone who loves his father and mother more than me is not worthy of me.” Sure we love our parents, and some of us have had exemplary ones. But few will love their parents more than the world.

…From Matthew’s Gospel

Read Matt. 10:32-33

This just in: the Bible answers the question about how converts in hostile countries are to bear witness to Christ: Publicly. That, at least, is what Jesus said in the first Gospel.

Underneath all the missiological mumbo-jumbo and artful dodges—often asserted by Western theoreticians ensconced by comfortable tenure, grants, and libraries—we ought not forget that our Lord answers this question in red letters. To acknowledge Christ means to be unashamed of him. Jesus thought that would be good for us in every generation and in every culture, even if persecution occurred. Calvin said that, “there is no believer whom the Son of God does not require to be his witness.”[1]

But perhaps, modern movements are tempted to elevate some sources or pressures over the clear gospel message. Westerners may even think they know better than some on-the-ground who have taken Jesus’ words to heart.

Start with a baby issue, compared to martyrdom. Have you ever, for example, been in a public place and been embarrassed to associate with someone or an institution? What is that like?

Suppose you are attending a reunion of some sort, and most of the classmates are very successful. And all you do is work from the home or have a job that is not too prestigious. You are tempted, aren’t you, to be vague (“I’m a free-lancer or self-employed”), or to overstate and blur what you do. Why? Because you don’t want to acknowledge that everyone else is better or more successful. Or if everyone else attended an elite school, and you didn’t, or if most people drive great cars and you drive a clunker . . . we seldom like to advertise anything except prize-winning success.

A person can be embarrassed to stand with Christ. You may feel sheepish to admit that he is Lord and that you depend on him.

Have you ever stopped to ask why it is that we are often kowtowed and afraid to be public about our faith? Here are some possible reasons:

• It could affect your pay or advancement, if you are in an organization that does not value Christ and his kingdom. You might be tempted to low-key it.
• Perhaps you’re not that sure yourself if Christ rules your heart, mind, and affections.
• It may be that the strong secular tide makes it very unpopular to be a public Christian.
• Christianity may be associated with undesirable things, such as ignorance or bigotry, and be associated with being shallow or uncool.
• Christians are invariably accused of hypocrisy.
• Or if you are a convert, especially in a hostile region, you fear the repercussions of taking a public stand with Christ.

There are many reasons, but Jesus distilled his answer succinctly in one passage when he said that some people fear man more than God.

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