And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”
-Acts 26:24
Have you ever tried to share your faith and been mocked for it? Maybe a better question is: have you ever just kept your mouth shut to avoid the mockery that was sure to come?
For many of us, the thought of sharing our faith is intimidating, perhaps even terrifying. A lot of people don’t seem too receptive to the message of the Gospel these days, and some people are openly hostile.
However, we were given a Great Commission by Jesus Christ to share the good news to the ends of the earth. (Matthew 28:16-20) We want others to know about the joy and peace we have experienced, as well as our comfort of knowing we will spend eternity in God’s presence.
We must take comfort in the fact that salvation comes by the power of God (Romans 1:16). In other words, another person’s reaction to what we say is not our problem and not in our control. We are faithful when we testify to God’s goodness, provision, and power in our lives, but are not responsible for how that message is received. It is the power of God – the Holy Spirit – that will do the work in the hearts of others to witness God’s truth to them. Bottom line: the pressure is off!
Jesus himself was rejected numerous times. People who were right there witnessing his ministry and miracles were able to walk away! A well-known example is the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, but the religious establishment of the time largely rejected him as well. He was even rejected in his own hometown. (Luke 4:28-30) It just goes to prove the there are some who are so hard of heart that nothing will get through to them. It’s not a rejection of you personally.
Matthew 5:11-12 contains a promise that applies here as well: we are blessed when we are rejected and persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. In fact, the verse goes on to say that our reward will be great in heaven. That alone should be enough to motivate us, or at the very least provide great comfort.
While speaking about our faith can be intimidating, we should keep in mind that Jesus promises He is with us at all times (Matthew 9:37). As believers, we are never truly alone. Similarly, the Holy Spirit will give us the words we need when speaking to others of the things of God. Luke 12:12 (ESV) promises, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
So go forth planting seeds and watering soil. Some seeds will be choked out by the cares of life, some will wither in the heat, and some will land upon hard ground (Matthew 13:1-23). Your job is to continue to sow those seeds and trust God’s work where they are concerned.
Chances are, you will be surprised about which of those seeds will truly take root and become a mighty oak for the kingdom of God. There are a lot of people out there waiting to hear from you, probably more than are interested in mocking you: “And he said to them, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2 ESV)