Guilty

"Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32,33

Like many Americans, I watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. Not being much of a football fan, I wasn't impressed by the game but the post race interview with Peyton Manning (Quarterback for the winning Denver Broncos) had my eyes glued to the screen. When asked by a reporter if this was to be his last game and whether he would be retiring, Manning had this to say, "You know, I’ll take some time to reflect. I’ve got a couple priorities first. I want to kiss my wife and kids. I want to hug my family... I’m going to take care of those things first. Then I’m going to say a little prayer and thank the man upstairs for this opportunity."

Talk about a public acknowledgement of faith! According to the Nielsen ratings data, 49% of American homes watched the game which ranked as the second highest Super Bowl viewing in football history. But whether we are in front of an audience of millions of people or in the presence of only one person, Matthew 10:32 tells us this, "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." 

And while it may not always be comfortable, acceptable or even legal to share our faith in today's world, especially when we are among unbelievers or scoffers, we should never let that deter us from doing it because as verse 33 warns us, "everyone who denies me here on earth. I will also deny before my Father in heaven." So, in the words of the Newsboys, let us be "guilty by association. Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways,Your truth,Your life. I’ll pay the price to be your light."

Heavenly Father, thank you for opportunities and gifts you have provided us that allow us to proclaim our faith in you. May we never miss an occasion or opening to publicly declare that you are our personal Savior and the One and Only True God. Help us to be bold witnesses in a world thirsty for the Truth. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Newsboys - Guilty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6jUOXYvhL8