Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him. Mark 6:20
Meditation: John the Baptist was not a man of compromise. He knew his calling and sought to fulfill his mission on earth without swerving from it. People flocked to John, not be entertained, but to hear from a true man of God. Jesus recognized John’s holiness when He asked the crowd what they went out to the desert to see. It certainly was not a reed swaying in the wind! (Matthew 11:7) Herod also recognized that John was different and knew him to be a righteous and holy man. He didn’t understand what John said but liked to listen to him, because he saw and heard God’s truths.
We also should be recognized by our holiness. The world should see that we are set apart and holy, not just like they are. Too often, Christians dilute God’s truths when presenting them in a way so they don’t offend worldly people. The world is offended by God’s truth! John boldly proclaimed the immorality of Herod taking his brother’s wife as his own. Sin is sin and when we attempt to smooth it over, we are compromising. John’s exemplary life gave him the platform from which he could speak God’s truth. We don’t have to compromise the truth to reach unbelievers. When people in the world see our holiness, there will be an effect. They may no understand God’s truths like Herod and may even make wrong choices as he did, but they will not have any excuse. Living a holy life will bring glory to the Lord and even if it costs us our lives, there will be no reproach from the Lord.
Challenge: Does the world see your holiness? Do you stand apart as someone different? Do you stand for God’s truths without reservation or compromise? You don’t have to be abrasive to be holy – live your life in such a way that people have no doubt that you belong to Jesus Christ. Then, even if they don’t understand, they will want to listen to what you have to say about your Lord.
Thought for the Day: Lord, help me to live a life that brings honor to You so I stand out as a man who loves Jesus Christ.
Chris Garner
Used by permission – Fortified Marriages.