Honest Opinion

NFL coach-turned-analyst Herman Edwards calls it like it is. You may or may not agree with him, but you will certainly not be bored. He isn't afraid to be open and honest based on his years of experience as a player and coach, and he doesn’t beat around the bush.

Listening to Edwards’ blunt commentary made me think of Peter. We as Christians just love Peter, don’t we? He is such a man of honesty! He says what he thinks when no one else will. Remember when Christ asked His followers who they thought He was? Peter was the only one who stepped up and said that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. That account, found in Matthew 16, shows such bravery and boldness on Peter’s part. And, because he stepped up to the plate and wasn’t afraid to share honestly, Jesus blessed him.

Take a look at Matthew 16:17: “And Jesus responded, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven.’” When it comes to matters of faith, how willing are you to speak the truth? How willing are you to take chances and express yourself in conversation and proclaim the truth about Christ?

As Christians, we aren’t called to be silent with the name of Jesus. We are called to profess Him as our Lord and to share Him with others. Now, I think we’d all agree that there is a time and a place for this, which is why we need to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to let us know when to speak and when to be silent, but there are most certainly times when we all will be asked to speak up and speak out for our Savior. How will others know if no one tells them?

Today, let’s learn a lesson from the boldness and honesty of Peter—and let’s be willing to share honestly when it comes to matters of faith. Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit and ask Him to give you the words to say when you need them. Undoubtedly, you will be blessed by the Lord who loves you and empowers you to carry His name to the world.