It seems that the Christmas season has shifted from that wonderful time of year we
display Christ to one of having to defend Him. The fights over public displays of faith, the
extreme emphasis on religious pluralism, and the neglect of Christianity seem unfair. Most of us defending Christ is now the posture of Christmas instead of displaying him.
1 Peter 3:15 states that we are to, “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (English Standard Version)
We are therefore supposed to have a reasoned defense for the hope we have in Christ. We should be ready at all times to defend the Gospel and our faith but He then qualifies his statement by saying this defense must display the character of Christ. Peter says we should defend the faith with an attitude of “gentleness and respect.” This can sometimes be hard to do with the increasing hostility and general disrespect towards Christians. Nevertheless a defense of Christ is no defense if it is not done with the display of Christ’s Spirit in our reasoning.
Consider that Jesus did not get elected. His authority is not based on polling data or popular interests. Jesus is the King of all Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is above all other names. He does not need our defense or anyone’s acceptance to reign over all the earth. He will forever reign on high and judge all the earth. We do not need to defend His ways but He does command us to display His love to all people at all times.
So yes, be a workman rightly dividing His word and have a readied and reasoned defense of the Gospel, but there is no quicker way to lose your witness than to defend Christ out of your flesh. If we do, we become no different than any other opinion. We must display Christ at all times no matter what the outcome or abuse. The only way to achieve this is to be filled with His Spirit and as Peter says, “In your hearts honor Christ as holy. “
No matter how frustrated you get, no matter how angry you feel, and no matter how unfair it seems, you don’t need to defend Jesus you need to display Him. At all times, in every situation, our position is to display the character of Christ. So set Christ as Lord of your heart and display His nature during this Christmas season. Be a light that shines, a star to follow and a gift to give. Be Jesus on display.
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