February 29

I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, — Acts 24:14 BSB

It’s easy to be known as a Christian when we are in the company of other believers. But Christ calls us to confess Him just as clearly when we are among those who do not believe. If someone mocks us for being a Christian, we shouldn’t blush, hang our head, or stammer out an apology—or worse, deny our faith. We should be ready, without pride or bravado, but with humility and boldness, to admit that we belong to Christ. And we should do so in a way that shows we are glad to be associated with Him.

Frances Ridley Havergal once wrote about entering a boarding school as a student, just after she had joined the church. She was shocked to discover that, out of a hundred students, she was the only Christian. At first, she felt overwhelmed and thought she couldn’t openly declare her faith in such a setting. But then she realized that Christ had placed her there as His representative, the only one to stand for Him. This thought gave her strength, and from that moment, she quietly took her place as a follower of Christ.

Whenever we find ourselves among those who do not believe, it helps to remember that Christ has placed us there to represent Him. If we are ashamed or afraid to speak of Him, we fail Him and miss an opportunity to glorify Him.