Last post we talked about leaving secret societies but we also highlighted how dangerous that is, so this post we're gonna talk about how to be private about your faith.
Now before we start, I'm all for evangelism. You could even say this blog contains evangelistic content. but I also know that many of my readers don't have the privilege of being out and proud about their faith in a very public way.
Hello persecuted church!
Firstly know we are praying for you, you are so inspiring to hold on to Jesus in circumstances that would cause most to waiver.
Secondly, please don't feel guilt or shame over having to keep your mouth shut about your faith. We get it here.
Maybe you are struggling with the whole concept of keeping your faith private, today I hope this post can ease some of the pain.
What Is a Crystal Ops Christian?
A crystal ops Christiaan is a person ascribing to the Christiaan faith but for whatever reason they do so in stealth.
Usually this is down to two main reasons, either they have to in order to stay safe or fear has them trapped in silence.
The first reason is the one we are condoning and giving our two cents on today.
Now, the fact is there is a lot of shame associated with this path of faith, it is common that well meaning Christians' try to force people to share their faith, sometimes though its just not wise.
We must always follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, sometimes He will lead us to speak up, be bold and possibly even die for our faith, other times He draws us to be silent.
We have been talking very openly about secret societies over the past few posts, so it's not going to come as a surprise that I have had seasons of silence myself..
Members of the brotherhood may remember this
'giving up my voice is my choice, its better than having it stolen' - Hayley Esther
I clearly picked my voice back up in order to write this series, but the above statement is proof I have lived the silent seasons.
It is incredibly lonely and painful to live with a gag on your mouth, to have the desire to speak up but because of safety reasons, and for the sake of wisdom you must remain silent.
Sometimes, especially in the case of the underground church, your brothers and sisters in Christ are trusting you to stay stealth or you all may be killed.
Sometimes there is wisdom in silence, that is the take away from today's post.
So we have explored the why someone might choose to keep silent, now let's talk about how to do this and still keep a maintained strong faith.
5 Tips For Crystal Ops Christians To Practice Private Faith
1 Don't own the guilt!
We touched on in briefly, but well meaning Christians' especially in the west will want you to stand up and be bold about your faith, possibly even die for it. Only do that if the Holy Spirit leads you to do so, never lean on the arm of flesh and deffinetly don't let Satan make you feel guilty about your situation, I promise you the God who made you understands.
2. Keep Christ central to your world and you can't go far wrong.
Keep praying, keep reading what ever you can get of the word of God and keep taking your troubles to Jesus. You can do all of this in secret.
Pro tip, if you live in a household where keeping your faith a secret is necessary, use the bathroom as your prayer closet.
3. Develop a code with your loved ones.
It's not always safe to talk about faith, so develop a code with your loved ones to help you talk about faith without getting caught. Trust me, it can be so freeing to talk about your faith this way.
4. Learn self defence
This will depend on the Holy Spirits leading, but sometimes having basic self defence training can save your life. It may not be your time to go home to heaven, and with self defence you're less likely to end up in trouble.
5. Do what God tells you to do.
If He tells you to run for your own safety, then run!
If He tells you to stay where you are and He will look after you there then believe Him. He won't steer you wrong.
I think that about covers it, the only other thing that I have to say is remember whatever happens to us its all about bringing God glory.