The Myth of a “Private Faith”

I grew up in a wonderful church that was part of the theologically strong denomination. So what about to discribe is more about the Christian culture I grew up in than my church, or denomination.

Growing up in the 50’s amd 60’s I heard the phrase used often, “I have a private faith.” Or “She, or he, or they have a private faith.” I took that to mean that just because they never, or rarely talked about their relationship with Jesus to family and friends and almost never to strangers didn’t mean they weren’t devout Christians. They just lived out their faith quietly and that was considered virtuous because it was a sign of humility.

My grandparents attended the same church my parents did faithfully and they read the Bible and prayed before and after every meal. And there was plenty of discussions about the sermon and events at our church and they were kind and generous. I loved my grandparents. But I cannot recall a single discussion about their own relationship with Jesus. It was like they were describing a philosophy, or events in history about a person they had never personally met. They were religious but it felt abstract and lifeless. And the NT has clear warnings about private faith;

“Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in all of his glory …”. Luke 9:26a

“If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God…” I Peter 4:16

I find it interesting in both these verses being ashamed, or being silent about one’s faith is somehow connected with God’s glory. Then when you couple it with Jesus’ final statements in the “Great Commision;” “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…and teaching them to obey everything I’ve commanded you.” Matt. 28:18, 19 you just have to wonder if Jesus thinks it’s even possible to have true faith and keep it to yourself. I do understand some Christians are naturally shy. However, if they can get excited, or animated about their grandchildren, favorite team, or hobby then for a Christian to not be excited about Jesus and the gospel begs question, “Why?”

Here’s an illustration that has helped me: I meet people the time who are fans of a sports teams, vintage cars, a certain author, their church, or a website. And how do I know they are fans? Because they talk about it all the time! It’s just human nature that when we’re excited about anything we want to share that excitement with others. Nobody has to remind my son-in-law of The Great Commision of sports enthusiasm, “Tony, it’s really important that if you claim to like University of Michigan sports you have an obligation to get out there and get to know the players and coaches better and for heaven’s show a little excitement!” If a person is in love with a person, activity, or place you can barely shut them up.

So here’s the point. If you have not talked to another person, especially to a non-Christian about your love for Jesus in the last few months, why is that? Are you embarrassed, or don’t want people to be offended? Maybe you just haven’t thought about it. I’m not as concerned that tomorrow you get on the phone and have coffee with a friend who’s not yet a Christian as I am urging you to examine yourself. What is there about your spiritual life that I haven’t even thought about sharing my love for Jesus with anyone except maybe at my Bible study, or in worship?

Economist have what they call “Key Economic Indicators.” These are certain statistics that taken all together indicate the health of the economy. And when a number of them are below normal they tell them that something is wrong. There are “Key Spiritual Indicators,” as well. Having regular devotions, being generous with your time, or money, praying for the lost, forgiving your enemies, encouraging your friends and yes, talking to others about your love for Jesus. These are what Watchman Nee, a Chinese evangelist called indicators of a “normal Christian life.”

So, would the people who know you best consider you to have a private faith, or a Normal Christian life?