I don’t know why I hide what I’m doing from my older brother
Question:
Have you ever felt uncomfortable with someone who isn't a devoted Christian or not a believer at all? This happens to me many times with my brother. Whenever someone tries to correct him, he immediately gets mad and defensive. He says he believes in God, but really he's not convinced. He's involved in fornication, pornography, profane speech, etc. When I'm in my room, for instance, I'd be on your web page browsing, and if I sense him coming toward my room, I open another tab, or I just get filled with annoyance when he's around me at times. I know I shouldn't be this way. When he tries to have a conversation with me, it's usually about foolish topics.
In regards to me opening another web page, I get disappointed in myself because it's almost as if I'm ashamed of seeking Christ. And the weird thing is that I feel this way only to him and not with people I don't know! How do I overcome this, please?
Answer:
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:10-16).
My guess is that because of the past, you are certain that your brother will taunt you about your beliefs, so you are avoiding the conflict. You don't have to force your beliefs on him if he is not interested, but you shouldn't hide who you are either because you are setting an example for him. He knows you are a believer, so it should not be a surprise to him.
Who knows? Seeing a page might actually generate a conversation on a serious topic for once.
"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain" (Philippians 2:14-16).
