The Illusion of “Private Faith”

Many folks like to keep their faith in Jesus private. They avoid declarative statements about their faith in public discourse—even if they are some of the most assertive people about every other subject.
They often hide behind a vague phrase like “religion is a personal thing.” But is it? Is it personal in the sense of being secret? I don’t think so.

“Religion is a personal thing.” But is it? Is it personal in the sense of being secret?

For many, this insistence on keeping their faith “private” is actually a poor mask for a lack of conviction about what they profess. For others, it is an attempt to avoid questions about the inconsistency between their so-called private beliefs and their public lifestyle.

The Pull of Public Approval

For others still, it is the pathetic need to avoid offence and maintain public approval—with its perks—that keeps them from taking a public stand for the Lord. It is for this group that Jesus gives His sternest warnings: those who want to retain social standing rather than take the awkward positions that being a believer often demands in the public space.

Our faith requires a measure of discretion. In reality, it should be more like perfume than neon lights—everyone should be able to sense it without us putting on a show.

Discretion vs. Denial

This is not a call for exhibitionism. Our faith requires a measure of discretion. In reality, it should be more like perfume than neon lights—everyone should be able to sense it without us putting on a show. But Scripture warns against the desire to keep public approval while expecting the Lord to accept our faithfulness only in private.

Scripture warns against the desire to keep public approval while expecting the Lord to accept our faithfulness only in private.

Nicodemus: A Case Study in Caution

Nicodemus (John 3) tried to visit Jesus secretly at night. As a leader of the synagogue, associating with Jesus openly could have cost him dearly. Even if Nicodemus’s motives are uncertain, Scripture leaves no doubt about others in his position:

“And yet in spite of all this many even of the leading men believed and trusted in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that if they should acknowledge Him they would be expelled from the synagogue; For they loved the approval and the praise and the glory that come from men instead of and more than the glory that comes from God.” — John 12:42–43 (AMP)

If you find yourself cagey about your faith in Jesus, it may well be because—like these leaders—you value human approval more than the glory that comes from God.

Do you value human approval more than the glory that comes from God?

Jesus’ Sobering Warning

Jesus speaks directly to this issue:

“Whoever declares openly… and acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns and denies and rejects Me before men will be disowned and denied before the angels of God.” — Luke 12:8–9 (AMP)

The temptation is to argue, “Well, I don’t deny Him.” But Jesus sets the standard Himself: not denying Him is not enough. True loyalty is measured by openly confessing Him.

Our Faith Is Not Meant to Be Hidden

No—our faith is not private in the way modern culture defines it. As Jesus teaches, it is pointless to light a candle and hide it under a basket. A lit candle belongs on a candlestick, where it gives light to everyone.

No—our faith is not private in the way modern culture defines it.

Take a Stand!

Your faith was never meant to be concealed.
Let your light shine.
Take your stand—publicly—for the Lord.

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