v 18. Peter stood with them, warming himself.
How easy it must have been for Peter to simply to simply slip into the warm circle and then deny that he ever knew Jesus! Much easier to identify himself with the general mob than to speak up and declare himself to be a disciple of Jesus. I’ve been guilty of that at times – and does it ring bells for you? Not so much that I have positively denied faith, but by a guilty silence have failed to identify myself as a Christian when perhaps I should have done.
The warmth of a friendship circle is very comforting, whether in the community, or at work, or even a sports club. It is very reassuring to have that kind of group of friends who will always welcome you and perhaps stand by you when the going gets tough. Sometimes there is a price to pay for that kind of link, even feeling obliged to join in with things that normally you would not do. In Peter’s case it was altogether warmer to stay in the fire circle even if it meant denying Jesus.
So here is a question for you to reflect on this week. How do we make our identity as Christians known in the circles to which we belong? It is easy in the Christian circle isn’t it! We meet at Church and are recognised by others around us, we join a Growth Group and enjoy the more intimate links that such a group offers, and everybody assumes we are fellow-believers. No need to say very much in fact, our presence says everything. But look at your other connections; are others aware you are a Christian; have you had opportunities to speak about faith or demonstrate it in a practical fashion?
Don’t hang on to your guilty secret; be prepared to speak up in the course of ordinary conversation without becoming a tub-thumping bore.
