We Are Afraid

Matt. 15:12-14
    In order to get over a problem, we must first face the fact. The fact is, we in the Lord’s church are afraid to offend someone.  I’m not speaking of just our congregation, but the Lord’s church all over this country. What holds many back from teaching the gospel to coworkers, friends, and family is fear of offending them. When people get offended they tend to label the offender. The last thing we want is to be labeled as hateful, wrong, ignorant, or intolerant. Family, let us not forget that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are (Heb. 4:15-16) and is our example to follow (1 Peter 2:21-23). Our Lord taught the truth to everyone near Him. He even offended many. In Matt. 15 He calls some of the Pharisees and Scribes hypocrites for following the teachings of men rather than the word of God (Matt. 15:3-9). He offended these religious officials. And his response was “Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matt. 15:12-14). On His journey, Jesus was accused of working for Satan (Mark 3:22-27), giving in to corrupt company (Mark 2:14-17), and even being intolerant of the government (Luke 23:1-4). That did not stop Him from accomplishing His Father’s mission (Matt. 16:21-23). The truth about salvation is not popular (Matt. 7:13-14), it will offend people (Acts 7:54-56), and it will separate families (Matt. 10:34-35). BUT, it must be preached in spite of those obstacles (Matt. 28:18-20). When you are struggling with crippling fear, remember the words of our Lord “If anyone comes to me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27). I love you all!
In His service,
Steven Hugley