Denial Isn't Always Verbal!

Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. (Matthew 26: 74, NKJV)

Denial isn't always verbal!

"I do not know the man!" These are the words of Peter's third denial predicted by Christ in the 34th verse of chapter 26.  But to truly understand the magnitude of the denial, we need to first understand what Christ was predicting.  See, the denial Christ prophesied wasn't just a simply "I don't know who his is."  No, it's so much more.  It's an utter and total denial, a disowning, an abjuring which is the act of giving up one's rights or allegiance to by an oath.  So, when Peter uttered his denial which came equipped with curses and sworn oaths, he wasn't just saying he didn't know Jesus, he was disowning him; he was giving up his allegiance to him; he was saying Jesus wasn't his Lord.

Now that we have an understanding of the magnitude of Peter's denial the question becomes this: how many of us either have been, or currently are, guilty of the same kind of denial?  Before we rush to say "Not me!" please understand that I'm not talking about the words, I'm talking about with our actions.  I'll be the first to answer and say that I have been guilty of such denials in the past.  In fact, I have had those six dreadful words spoken to me that should make every man and woman of God cringe and examine themselves to see if they are being the people God created us to be. Those words are "And you call yourself a Christian!"

I've had these words spoken to me and they were warranted because in those moments my actions were contradictory to my profession of Jesus as my Lord and Savior. See, make no mistake about it, nearly everyone, Christian or not, know that Jesus is supposed to make you a different person, a better person.  They know that when a person says they're Christian, they are now held to a higher standard of living that is only attainable through the power of Christ.  So, when our actions, and I'm not talking about mistakes we may make, or sins we may commit unwilfully, but actions that are consistent or habitual which don't line up with that higher standard of living, we are essentially denying Christ.

We're saying that the power (His Holy Spirit) he possesses and provided us with is not sufficient enough to cause us to refrain from acting contrary to what his Word has commanded. And that's a dangerous thing for us because it damages our relationship with the Lord who "...being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross." (Phil 2:8, NKJV) Christ did this not only so that we could be saved, but also so that "...denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age." (Tit 2:12. NKJV)  When we don't live like this it gives credence to the unbelievers who not only deny the power of our Lord but deny his existence altogether. Not to mention that nonverbal denials (actions and conduct contrary to the word of God) have the ability to weaken the faith of people new to the faith.

Them seeing a person who they believe to be mature or grown in the faith conduction themselves in any manner they choose, may very well lead them to figuring that if the power of God can't change brother or sister So and So then maybe it can't change me either.  We are supposed to be living, breathing, walking, talking testimonies that prove the life changing power of Jesus Christ.  When we're not, we become nonverbal denials that can very well make people believe maybe the God we pray to, worship, sing praises to, and testify about isn't so powerful after all.

Brothers and Sisters, I implore you this day, if your conduct, your actions or speech, are contrary to the conduct described in the word of God, please seek the necessary change from our  God who will surely provide it.  If today you are saying, "I do not know the man!" with your actions, stop. People are watching us but more than that our God is watching us.  So if we've been denying him nonverbally, let's cease at this very minute and repent so that we may be restored just as Peter was.  God bless.

Prayer for today: Lord, we are too often like Peter, quick to say we will follow Jesus and never deny him, and in the very next moment denying him with our actions.  Call us back to you, enable us to repent, turning back to you. Strengthen us for our daily walk as your followers. In the name of Jesus who promises salvation and wholeness, Amen.