The Undercover Christian
This title sums up my style of Christianity prior to 2014. I’d spend countless hours worshiping, praying, and listening to preaching while using my computer for school work, playing video games in my room, or cooking in the kitchen. I believed I love God, I try obeying his commandments, i do good to others, and that's all that should matter as far as Christianity is concerned.
At school or at work, I’d talk to people without mentioning Christ. I considered it funny how 80% of the people I knew barely believed I go to church not to talk of being a true believer in Christ. I’d solace myself with the phrase “everyone is entitled to their personal opinion” and I owe no body explanation. I expected people to automatically see Christ in my life once they here me speak, or see the way I treat others and come to Christ but my lips would speak less when it comes to discussing Christ in public. I’d barely hold my hard copy bible (Thank God for mobile bible) outside my room or car. I believed salvation is personal and loving God in ones heart is what matters.
With this method of faulty thinking as a Christian, I reminisce the past 5 years of my life being a Christian and it dawned on me I’ve neither helped someone know Christ nor won a soul to Christ. I was busy wallowing in my comfort zone doing silent witnessing with zero impact on non-believers.
It was in the year 2010 when I met Rob Giblak in the city of Fort st. John, BC that I first gained a different outlook on how a christian should be in public. Rob and myself discussed some passages of the scripture for 30-40 minutes then Rob requested we go do some evangelism at Salvation Army. We drove to the place, spoke with some of the staff members, washed the dishes, ate[I avoided eating for some unclear reason] and evangelized to some of the people before mopping the floor after everyone had finished eating their lunch. This was a game changer for me. I was inspired by his willingness to talk about Christ in public regardless of what the people believed or their perception of Christianity.
The bible did mention some Christians who fit into this title of “Undercover Christians”. To mention a few, Joseph the Arimathaea, and Nicodemus are clear example of Undercover Christians from the bible.
Joseph the Arimathaea was a high profile man with influence but always scared of exposing his faith in Christ to the public. Joseph was a respected member of the council who refused subscribing to the behavior of the other council members towards Jesus but never voiced out his opinion due to fear of the Jewish leaders.
The book of Luke 23 vs 50-56; 50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment” . He gave Jesus his prepared tomb when he was dead but never proclaimed him when he was alive.
The book of Mark 15 vs 43; “ Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus”.
I considered the story of “Joseph the Arimathaea” tragic because he knew the truth, was willing to defend the truth, but afraid to embrace it in public due to fear of the unknown.
Another example of an “Undercover Christian” will be Nicodemus, the Jewish ruler who assisted Joseph the Arimathaea to give Jesus a quality burial. Nicodemus has been popularly known as the ruler who went to Jesus at night to seek answer to salvation.
Perhaps, his reason for visiting Jesus that late was to make sure no one including his colleagues see him associating with Jesus “the controversial but humble teacher” according to the Jews. The book of John Chapter 3 vs 1-3 accounts the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus; “ 1) Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2) this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."3) Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Unfortunately and sad enough, this has been the case of many Christians today. We love God in our heart, in our room, when we are around fellow Christians in the church, etc. but fail to express our faith in public due to fear of judgement, rejection, getting fired from work, losing friends, etc..
I pray we build the boldness to overcome our fears and exercise our faith in public onward.
I recall meeting “Larry” in Vancouver early this year after attending a Sunday church Service at Village Church, Surrey, BC. We got to chat for a bit then he shared his walk to salvation story. Prior to being a Christian, Larry was a hard core atheist who couldn’t find fulfillment and the true meaning of life for a huge part of his life. On his search for meaning, Larry tried the visiting the bars, clubs, then he ventured into reading all the possible books on spirituality he could get a hold of including the Holy Bible, the Qur’an, Gnostic text, Qayyummu’l-Asma, Hebrew Bible, etc. to make sure he picks the right religion. Few years later, he discovered the Bible has answers to most of his questions. Larry didn’t stop here but continued his search for meaning until he found Christ. Today, Larry and his wife Natasha never cease proclaiming Gods love to their family members, friends, co-workers, etc.. They offered their house for weekly cell fellowship to discuss the message preached on Sundays.
I encourage anyone that reads this message to let others know of his or her faith. Also, be prepared to answer the questions about God from non-believers or newly saved about Christ at all time.
