October 11, 2007

 

The rest of the people…join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God's Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord and his rules and his statutes.

 

--Nehemiah 10:28-29

 

Many times in the Bible, when the Israelites made a commitment to the Lord, they did so publicly. This is something the church still practices today in a variety of ways…baptisms, weddings, communion, and altar calls. Why? Because of the level of commitment it represents.

 

In chapter 10 of Nehemiah, God’s people made public commitments to Him for their families, finances, and many other issues. They made a promise, or covenant to the Lord to be faithful to their vows.

 

The Lord has already made a covenant with us in His Word, the Bible. The vows and commitments we make in His presence and the presence of others are ways we express our pledge back to the Lord.

 

But often I find that too many Christians are secret believers. They don’t make a public confession of their commitment and faith in God.

 

When we do, everyone knows the promises we have made, and those around us can encourage us to keep our commitments faithfully. That’s why people are baptized in front of the whole church, and why we invite hundreds of close friends and family to weddings—for public commitment and accountability!

 

Don’t be a secret believer today. Make a public commitment to the Lord to show your dedication to Him!

 

DON’T BE A SECRET BELIEVER IN CHRIST…STAND BOLDLY AND PUBLICLY FOR HIM.