You may be thinking. “I am no traitor and don’t call me names,” when you may be betraying Christ by your actions. For example, some are selling Jesus and His teachings by their business practices. They are not fair as employers in their pay scale or in their treatment of their employees (Eph. 6:9). Some are selling Jesus by their work ethics, not putting in a day’s work for a day’s pay (Lk. 10:7). Such people are thieves, as Judas was, and are betraying Christ. Whether it be by our lips or lives, we must not be guilty of such treatment of our Lord. The only remedy for this crime is repentance, a genuine turning from sin, all sin, and a renewed effort to live for Christ and according to His doctrine.
There is an interesting story that comes to us from the 16th century about a man named Thomas Cranmer. He was cast into prison because of his faith. His imprisoners asked him to sign a document that would mean a denial of Christ. He refused. They threatened him saying, “Sign it or die!” After much badgering and torture, in a weak moment he wrote his name. When finished, the horror of his betrayal came upon him and for days and nights he was tormented with remorse. When in spite of his recantation they lead him out to die, he walked to the martyr pyre and thrust his right hand first into the flames. “This unworthy hand which has sinned must suffer first,” he said. He held it there until it was blackened and consumed. Then he plunged into the fire himself.
No one has to die a traitor to Christ. He has provided a way of escape for us through the Gospel.
~~~Greely Kirkpatrick~~~