I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. --Psalm 40:10
Peter Cartwright was a nineteenth-century, circuit-riding Methodist preacher. But more importantly, he was known for being uncompromising in his faith.
One Sunday morning, as he was preparing to preach, he was told that President Andrew Jackson was in the congregation. Some of the elders warned him not to say anything out of line or there would be trouble.
So when Cartwright stood to preach, he said, "I understand that Andrew Jackson is here today. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn't repent."
The congregation was shocked by Cartwright's bold sermon and wondered how the President would respond. However, after the service, President Jackson walked by to shake hands with Cartwright and said, "Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world."
As Christians, we are not called to be "guarded" when it comes to sharing the Gospel message with the world. Instead, we are to be bold and outspoken in proclaiming the truth.
In Psalm, King David wrote, "I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD" (Psalm 40:9).
Scripture says that we are a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that [we] may declare the praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).
The world needs more Christians who will be uncompromising in their faith. Will you be that kind of Christian—just as Peter Cartwright was? Won't you be bold enough to declare the faithfulness and salvation of God today (Psalm 40:10)?
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would give you the opportunities to boldly share your faith. Ask Him to give you the right words at that time that will bring others to Christ.
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