Texting Hallelujah!

Will You Speak—or Stay Comfortable?

When truth, comfort, public approval, and obedience to Christ pull in different directions, which voice will you follow?

Every person is governed by something. For some, it’s public opinion. For others, it’s comfort, ambition, fear, or the desire to avoid conflict. These unseen influences often determine what we say, what we do, and what we refuse to do.

The leaders of Jerusalem faced such a moment in Acts 4. Everyone knew a miracle had occurred. A man who had been crippled for decades was now walking. The evidence was undeniable, yet accepting the miracle would mean acknowledging Jesus. Rejecting it would damage their credibility with the people. They found themselves trapped between what they knew to be true and what they wanted to preserve.

What to do?

They settled on threats, commanding the Apostles “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18).

The leaders were governed by what they stood to lose. Peter was governed by obedience to Christ.

Peter and John replied, “‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:19-20).

Not long before, Peter had denied even knowing Jesus. Now, filled with the Holy Spirit, he refused to deny Him again. Failure had taught Peter the cost of fear; the Spirit gave him courage to obey.

After further threats, the authorities let them go.

My friend Andie Rice provides a contemporary example of what this looks like. She was an elementary school teacher, a prayer warrior, and a faithful ambassador for Christ. Because I served in public office, she could easily have viewed me as one of the intimidating people who make decisions and influence events. Instead, she consistently sought to build a bridge between faith and government. She encouraged me when I needed encouragement, challenged me when I needed correction, and faithfully prayed for those in positions of authority.

What made her remarkable wasn’t political influence or public recognition.

It was that she spent so much time with Jesus that His voice mattered more to her than anyone else’s.

Peter stood before the rulers of Jerusalem. Andie stood before teachers, community leaders, and public officials. Both were governed by the same thing: a desire to faithfully obey Jesus.

The leaders were governed by preserving authority. Peter was governed by obedience to Christ. Andie was governed by her relationship with Christ.

What power, influence, or voice ultimately governs your life?

Today, spend time with Jesus until His voice matters more than public opinion, comfort, criticism, or fear. The pressures of this world are temporary, but Christ is eternal. When the moment comes to choose between obedience and approval, may you be able to say with Peter and John, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”