What does interest me, however, is what Dana White was recently quoted as saying about his fighters. Apparently, some fighters have been thanking Jesus or just mentioning His name at events or to the media. And for some reason, this did not settle well with Mr. White. Here are his thoughts on it:
"America doesn't want to hear your thoughts on Jesus. Keep that stuff at home - religion, politics, all that stuff. When you're fighting and being interviewed, they want to hear about the fight. It's awesome that you love Jesus. Love Jesus all you want. You just don't have to do it publicly."
The issue I want to address is this: Should Christians speak publicly about Jesus? Is is fair to ask people of faith to zip their lips?
When a person experiences their sins being forgiven and their soul being saved, it's hard for him or her NOT to talk about Jesus. After all, He has done something incredible and of eternal, spiritual significance. A radical, life-changing experience like that is hard to keep on the down low.
Paul, in Romans 1:16, states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." This awesome missionary is not embarrassed or shy about discussing Jesus and the gospel. And why should he be? After all, it is "the power that brings salvation to everyone who believes". That's a mighty big deal.
Jesus Himself, in Matthew 10:32-33, states, "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in Heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." Those are some powerful words! Jesus calls us to talk about Him to other people. And He reminds us that our stance on this matter has eternal ramifications.
Finally, Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:2, states, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction." Here we see a call to readiness to speak of Jesus whenever the right opportunity presents itself. It's as if Paul is saying, "Ok, be ready at all times!"
Look, I don't know Dana White. And I'm sure not judging or criticizing him. But I will say this in response to him: It's hard for us Christians to stop talking about Jesus. Whether we are UFC fighters, farmers, stay-at-home moms, teachers, funeral directors, doctors, or whatever. Our sins have been forgiven and our souls have been saved! It's not easy to experience something so awesome as that and stay quiet about it.
Speak up, Christians! Privately and publicly. We have a story to tell. And the world needs to hear the good news that Jesus saves.
When a person experiences their sins being forgiven and their soul being saved, it's hard for him or her NOT to talk about Jesus. After all, He has done something incredible and of eternal, spiritual significance. A radical, life-changing experience like that is hard to keep on the down low.
Paul, in Romans 1:16, states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." This awesome missionary is not embarrassed or shy about discussing Jesus and the gospel. And why should he be? After all, it is "the power that brings salvation to everyone who believes". That's a mighty big deal.
Jesus Himself, in Matthew 10:32-33, states, "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in Heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." Those are some powerful words! Jesus calls us to talk about Him to other people. And He reminds us that our stance on this matter has eternal ramifications.
Finally, Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:2, states, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction." Here we see a call to readiness to speak of Jesus whenever the right opportunity presents itself. It's as if Paul is saying, "Ok, be ready at all times!"
Look, I don't know Dana White. And I'm sure not judging or criticizing him. But I will say this in response to him: It's hard for us Christians to stop talking about Jesus. Whether we are UFC fighters, farmers, stay-at-home moms, teachers, funeral directors, doctors, or whatever. Our sins have been forgiven and our souls have been saved! It's not easy to experience something so awesome as that and stay quiet about it.
Speak up, Christians! Privately and publicly. We have a story to tell. And the world needs to hear the good news that Jesus saves.
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