|PIC1|"An illustration of this scenario relates to cricketers who have become Christians who I've advised to keep very quiet for a little time, yet I keep being asked why they don't speak out publicly for their new faith," M V Tronson noted. "In my 24 years of Cricket ministry, I have maintained this as a pathway to the gaining of Christian wisdom."
Of course, cricketers are not the only high profile people who become Christians in later life, and similar questions arise within the worlds of business, politics, entertainment, academia and everywhere else where human beings live and work.
What therefore happens when a high profile person becomes a Christian to suggest they keep silent for a little time? M V Tronson suggests three things.
First, this fresh world view where a person willingly and joyfully allows Jesus Christ to become Lord over their lives demands a little time, so that an individual can adjust to such a calling. "Recognising that someone new pulls the strings replacing greed and hedonism and other sinful human emotions requires prayerful reflection," M V Tronson explained.
Second, this reflection is serious as one's conscience may be challenged to make significant changes in one's life; and possibly to a pattern of behaviour established over many years. M V Tronson recounts a conversation with a USA sports ministry colleague of two athletes who had become followers of Christ. One, was a delightful person before following Christ and became a more delightful person. The other exhibited a demeanor of conflict before following Christ and exhibited a little less drama after becoming a follower of Christ.
Third, establishing a new world view with Christ as the centre of a person's thinking and behaviour raises many issues for close companions who have yet to receive their own revelation. 'What's happened to .....?' Is this for real?', '...... got religion!' '....... become a God bother'r!'
If you are the centre piece of these comments, it could turn into a circus. Your family, friends and associates are important to you and communicating your new inspiration to them needs to be handled with care.
M V Tronson says that for a high profile person within our society these issues become much more pronounced as it does not only relate to those around him or her, but it also takes on a public face. Moreover, becoming a Christian may not, in good conscience, change one's views on specific social justice issues.
"Becoming a follower of Christ and having that announced can be a tricky business when you happen to be in the public eye. The pitfalls are legion. Continuing dialogue with trusted Christian people who have trod the path is all important," M V Tronson explained.