"Searching the Scriptures and Seeking the Lost"
CLOSET CHRISTIANS
by Wayne Jones
Many times when a person hides a habit or lifestyle from another individual or group of individuals that person is said to be “in the closet.” Such is the description given to a homosexual who hides his sin from the rest of the world. People may be “in the closet” about their drinking, adultery or any other habit or practice that they do not want other people to know about. Thus, these people are called closet drinkers, closet adulterers and so on.
While, it is true that these people have something of which to be ashamed, they are not the only ones who hide their lifestyles from others. Too many times members of the Lord’s church are “in the closet” about the life they had once chosen to live. They hide their name and dedication so that the world will not associate them with the church. These closet Christians that have hindered the growth and production of the church across our nation. People who think and act in this fashion want the comfort of “belonging to Christ” but they are not willing to accept the responsibility that comes along with it. They feel comforted thinking that God is on their side, but they would never stand up and defend God’s name, doctrine or church before others. It was this very idea that Christ was condemning when He said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 10:33).
This happens many times during the teenage years of a person’s life. Because of the ridicule and mocking of peers, many young Christians will continue to attend worship services, but live “in the closet” the rest of the week. Many times they never come out of that “closet” for fear and pressure and they grow up to continue in this way.
Why do people do this? What about this world and its temptations would cause one to revert almost to secrecy when it comes to Christianity? I suggest there are some things missing in the person’s life who is a “closet Christian.”
First, the “closet Christian” lacks courage. God has always desired and required that his children have courage. When the Lord chose an army to deliver his people, he through Gideon told all who were afraid to return home (Jud. 7:1-2). The great king David, even as a youth, had the kind of courage that God expects. This was demonstrated when he fought Goliath the giant (I Sam. 17). Daniel possessed the courage that God demands when he prayed knowing that he would be thrown into the lion’s den (Dan. 6). We must also have courage to be a child of God. Without proper courage we will become a closet Christian.
Second, a “closet Christian” lacks conviction. Conviction spans deeper than a vocal testimony of God (Matt. 7:21). Conviction is defined as, “a strong persuasion or belief.” Certainly one who is convicted will be compelled by his faith in Christ and love for God to follow their commands. In doing so, one could not be a “closet Christian.” How convicted are we? Do we study our Bible as we should? Do we attend all the services of the local congregation? Are we in danger of becoming “closet Christians?
Thirdly, a “closet Christian” lacks correct communication. Proper communication is essential in any relationship. The value of communication in our relationship with God is beyond compare. God communicates with us through his Word. Thus, if we do not read and study (II Tim. 2:15) then we have broken communication with Almighty God. We communicate with God by a fervent prayer life. Paul stressed the necessity of prayer with these three words: “Pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17). Thus, if we cease to pray then we have, again, broken communication with God.
Finally, the “closet Christian” lacks confidence. He lacks confidence in many things. He lacks confidence in himself to live the life that he promised to live, confidence in the Word to help him overcome adversity and temptation, and confidence in God to fulfill the promises that He has made to those the obey Him. When we lose a solid confidence in God or His Word then we become in danger of becoming “closet Christians.”
Let us examine ourselves. Do we lack courage, conviction, correct communication and/or confidence? If we do, we may be in danger of becoming or we have already become a “closet Christian.” One of the only things that a “closet Christian” does not lack is a place at the judgement. If we have openly lived our commitment to Christ, we will be reward. If not, we will be punished.