Ten years ago, I turned my life over to Christ. For the first few years I was embarrassed or ashamed to tell it, claim it or even speak of it to anyone that wasn’t already a Christian. I started going to church and attending Bible studies regularly and would keep it kind of hush hush unless I was spotted there. If I was asked why I was there, my response was “I got to go somewhere it might as well be church”.

The first year or so an old drinking buddy of mine came by the house; I hadn’t seen him in years. When he came in the first thing, he asked for was a beer and my response was “Man I haven’t had any alcohol in a long time” and with a look of confusion and disappointment on his face, I gave him a choice of soda or water. He asked why I quit drinking, and I used the excuse “Health reasons”. It wasn’t a complete lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either. I should have told him everything and possibly sewn a seed.

Now, as I look back on that day, I realized I was no better than Peter in the bible that denied Christ three times (Luke 22:54-61). Why was I ashamed to tell it or broadcast it? While I acted as if I didn’t know why, the reason was simple. What will my partners think of me now? I would no longer be the cool guy; I would be the holy rolling bible thumper. My concern should have been what God thought about my denial, and not my friends. Make no mistake it was denial.

The bottom line is, if you have or want to turn your life over to Christ, do it. Don’t fear how friends and family will react or treat you. Don’t think you will be less of a man or weak if you decide to live your life the way God wants you too; in fact, it makes you stronger already. Stop trying to satisfy people and satisfy God. People will think and say what they want no matter what, so instead of denying your relationship with Christ, tell your friends and family about it. Quiet as kept, others may need to hear your story so they can change the ending to theirs. (May God continue to bless you, your brother in Christ…TMK).