“If you ever want to see your son/daughter/wife again, don’t call the cops!”

Just about every TV or Movie police drama ever made includes some version of that command from a criminal mastermind. It’s an attempt to manipulate the victims and make the criminal’s escape easier since law enforcement will likely capture the criminal. Fortunately, such situations are rare in real life and the TV show or Movie producers make things up to increase the drama.

Except there’s one area of life where such manipulation is a common, every day, occurrence – religion. Not that believers are warned against calling the cops, but that culture as a whole, and religious culture in particular, consistently tells believers not to tell anyone about their faith. “Not in America!” some may say, but do some research and you will be shocked to realize just how pervasive this threat really is for all of us.

Try praying at a public school event and see how quickly voices are raised and suits are filed to stop it. Not everywhere in America, of course, but enough places that many schools seek to stop it before it can happen. Even many who call themselves Christians fear the attacks and silence themselves and others within their circle of authority in pre-emptive surrender. Law suits are expensive and no sane person wants the headaches and publicity of fighting for the “right to pray” at a public event. So we leave it to the faux Christians and those seeking attention for themselves (Matthew 6:1-6). Now, I am not advocating for political action, but asking us to consider if we’re acting out of fear or genuine conviction that there’s a better way to be “zealous for what is good” (1 Peter 3:13-17).

But the worst attacks are perpetrated by religious folk who will quickly shut down anyone who disagrees with them on matters of salvation and obedience. Try telling faith only and OSAS believers baptism is necessary for salvation (Acts 22:16) and believers can fall away and lose their salvation (Hebrews 6:4-6). You will be shut out. Don’t hold your breath waiting for the invitation to speak in their churches and address their people. Yes, most, though not all, will be polite to your face but still reject your message and shut you out of their groups.

Regardless of the world’s opposition we must remember Jesus died on the cross so believers can follow His example of trusting faith. Listen to His response to the assaults and insults of the cross. Despite the pain and suffering and sense of abandonment, His steadfast resolve was simple.

“I will tell of Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You. You who fear the Lord, praise Him; all you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.” (Psalm 22:22-23).

“Praising His name” in our church assemblies probably isn’t high among our Sunday’s Struggles. No, our Sunday’s Struggles come when we’re outside the safety and security of our assemblies among those who might not agree with us and may criticize or even try to silence us. Do we fear Him or fear this world? Will we respect Him, or respect those who don’t want to hear His name?