The way to salvation is described as a narrow path. There is no room for crowds maintained by hypocrisy (acting) or compromise. A purposeful stand regardless of "what others think" will bring persecution and pressure. We must square our shoulders and resist the temptation to change our position to "get along" or to "belong" to the crowd. It is denial of Christ that we must fear. There will be difficulty for sure, but when you stand with Christ - you do not stand alone. Be strong.

***

65: Jesus Warns His Disciples Against Hypocrisy

Luke 12:1-12

When a great multitude of people gathered around him, standing so thick that they trod upon one another’s feet, Jesus began to speak, saying:

            “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, ‘Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.’ But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear. Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, ‘Fear him.’ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore. Ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, ‘Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God. But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.’ And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but unto him that blasphemest against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say. For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.”