Following At A Distance

John 18:15

Peter followed Jesus at a distance.  

What does that look like for those of us who are 2000 years removed from Peter’s denial?  How do we resemble Peter’s slack in faithfulness?  I believe we see it in our fear of standing out and speaking up for Christ.  It’s not that we don’t believe, we just don’t believe enough to risk our reputation.  

What will others think of us if we appear too radical, too outspoken, too religious?  What if our faith comes across as fanatical?  God forbid that others perceive us as taking our Christianity too far.  

I don’t think Peter lost his faith or turned his back on what he believed.  I just think he wasn’t ready to be out front and outspoken.  I think that, like many of us would have done, Peter was trying to wrap his mind around all that was happening.  The easiest response was to keep himself at a distance. 

I get that.  The easy response in any critical situation is to step back, shut down, and slip out.  But it's often necessary that someone step up and say what needs to be said.  Someone has to step up...

Maybe that's you today.  It's time to step up and speak up.  It won't be easy.  But for inspiration look at Acts chapter two.  It's Peter preaching on the Day of Pentecost.  God will use you if you will let Him.  Do what God tells you to do...say what He tells you to say...  Be blessed.