The conversations with friends during social time before church had been satisfying. I was peacefully sitting in church enjoying the music. However, my tranquillity abruptly ended when the sermon began.
Pastor asked, “What are you willing to give for the cause of the gospel?” My first thought was that I do okay in this area. I volunteer without the expectation of recognition, I tithe, and I give to missions. As I was smugly listening, what he said next abruptly stopped my self congratulation.
Pastor stated that most of us are unwilling to give up being concerned about what others think of us. We adjust our witness, sometimes dramatically, based on what we believe others will think.
Paul is a biblical example of how we should respond to social pressure. He did whatever God directed him to do even if it made him look socially inept.
I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little…For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves. 2 Corinthians 11:16-19
Paul was being sarcastic in order to get his audience to realize they considered their social position more important than God. Paul’s only concern was that he pleased God.
Are you willing to modify your social life–even risking being a bit foolish–for the Gospel?