Confessing Our Faith in the World

The Voice of Zion November 2025 - Home & Family Articles --

Luther wrote, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.” Such faith cannot remain hidden – it naturally confesses, whether by word, deed, or quiet steadfastness in everyday life. 

In a world that often misunderstands or rejects faith, believers may feel hesitant to speak openly about what they believe. Yet Jesus promises, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32). 

As the writers in this issue show, confession of faith takes many forms: a conversation at work, honesty about personal values, or a child’s simple answer at school. We may anticipate rejection, but often find respect, curiosity, and even gratitude in return. God calls His children to not fear the world, but to live in it, trusting that in every place and circumstance, He gives words, courage, and grace to be His light. 

Confessing Faith in the Workplace 

John Juntunen 

When I first moved to Utah from Minnesota in September 2021, my plan was to stay for only a year before moving back. It quickly became evident that I would not return to Minnesota any time soon, so I began expanding my professional network in the area. 

For the last nine years, I have worked as a CPA both in Minnesota and Utah. Often, people think of a CPA as an office job with little personal interaction. In my experience, that has not been the case. I have been responsible for business development and client management – both in the firm where I previously worked and now in my own CPA firm. 

Through these roles, I have had the opportunity to interact regularly and deeply with those outside of God’s kingdom. To build trust, one must connect on a personal level. In doing so, topics such as faith, lifestyle, and hobbies often arise. As a result, confessing my faith has become a nearly daily occurrence. 

In Minnesota, many of the networking events I attended centered around alcohol. When I began attending events in Utah, I noticed that alcohol was never present. Many in this area belong to faiths that emphasize moral living, family life, and abstaining from certain worldly behaviors. Their values and outward lifestyle resemble those of believers in some ways. 

I have found that living and working among people of strong faith backgrounds can be easier than in more secular environments. Faith is a common topic – even in professional settings. Yet, even though we may share outward similarities, we know that true faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and we must hold fast to what God’s Word teaches. 

Matthew 10:32–33 reminds us to confess our faith: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” 

I have found that the best way to confess my faith is to be open and honest about what I believe – and to have that conversation early in a relationship rather than later. Not only does God teach us to live in this way, but it also makes future interactions easier. People understand from the beginning that I do not participate in sinful activities, and they tend to respect that. People outside of God’s Kingdom are often open and receptive to hearing how we believe. 

The confession of faith can be difficult because we wonder what the reaction will be. Yet, we should strive to overcome that doubt, remembering that our conversation may be the moment they see the Light. We can trust that God will bless us, our life of faith, and our relationships when we live obediently.  

Wherever We Live 

Logan Jurmu 

Our family has been blessed to live in several different areas in recent years. This year, we moved to Utah Valley, leaving behind our home congregation in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. Each move has been bittersweet, yet we’ve seen how God hears our prayers and guides our way. We’ve come to recognize that each place has its own identity, and yet, as believers, we are called to be “in the world, but not of the world.” Wherever we live, our desire remains the same: to journey as God’s children, trusting His care in every circumstance. 

During our time in Denver, we were somewhat isolated from a home congregation – a new experience for both my wife and me, as we had grown up in believing homes and congregations where we were cared for. For a time, ministers from the Colorado congregation came monthly to serve the small flock of believers. We deeply felt the unity of the Spirit during those visits and how our hearts longed to hear God’s Word and the joyous message of the gospel. Often, only a few were gathered, but as Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). Those who came with their families to serve that small flock felt like angels from heaven. 

Now that we’ve moved from an area that is less religious to a predominantly religious one, we’ve noticed that even when outward values may appear similar, it can still be difficult to confess our faith. God’s Word instructs us to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). Paul also writes, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?” (2 Cor. 6:14). 

Though God’s Word is clear, my flesh has often desired to fit in at school or work and resisted being different. Satan tempts with half-truths and lies, convincing us not to confess our faith for fear of ridicule. Yet, when God gives strength to confess freely, we often find that classmates, coworkers, and neighbors respond kindly and appreciate our willingness to share what we believe. 

We journey with the prayer our Lord Jesus prayed for all believers: “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). God knows our lives and does not wish to remove us from this world, but to protect us from its evil. As His children, we travel under His rich grace, knowing He is with us always, and that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).  

Confessing Faith at School 

Adeline Moll 

In a small congregation like in Utah Valley, it’s common for believing kids to have friendships with classmates who don’t share their faith. I talked with several young people – Adam Hillstrom (11), Aiden Byman (9), Barrett Niemela (12), Vivian Skoog (12), Anabelle Niemela (14), and Sadie Jurmu (9) – about how they confess their faith and interact with others at school. 

I asked about experiences where classmates have noticed they are different in some way. Adam said “They’ve never really noticed I was different, but they’ve asked if I’ve seen a movie, and I say I don’t watch movies.” Aiden added, “I say to them we don’t have a TV.” 

Barrett remembered his friends asking last year if he was going trick-or-treating. “I told them I wasn’t going and they wondered why, so I told them at our church we don’t dress up and go trick-or-treating.” “There were girls that noticed I was different– like not watching movies or dancing – so I explained a bit about what we believe,” Vivian said. 

People have asked Anabelle if she’s Mormon because of her large family. “I say no and tell them that I’m Laestadian Lutheran. They usually don’t know what it is, and I explain a bit more about what we believe.” 

All the kids shared that they have friends at school who don’t share their faith. They can see how these friends are different from their believing friends. Sadie said, “Some of them have earrings or painted nails, and we don’t do that.” A friend invited her over to get her nails painted. “I told her we don’t do that, and I don’t think I can come if we’re doing that.” 

Anabelle reflected on the difference in her friendships with those not in faith compared to believers: “I don’t talk about matters of faith with them, but with believing friends, I can talk with them about anything.” 

As young ones face questions about their faith at school, we pray that God continues to give them strength and words to confess their faith and be a light unto the world.  

Living Alongside Those of Another Faith 

Katie Anderson 

Four years ago, our family moved to Utah, a region where a faith community is deeply interwoven into many aspects of life. We quickly learned how its influence shapes local culture, routines, and expectations. Daily activities – school, community events, even business practices – often reflect the values and rhythms of the predominant faith. 

My personal experiences in conversation and interaction have been overwhelmingly positive. People here are generally benevolent and conscientious, with values similar to our own. When you move in as their neighbor, they show up to help you unload your moving truck, and when your toddlers escape from the backyard, they’ll kindly bring them back. It’s easy to settle into the comfort of people who understand life with many children, avoid the vices of this world, and dedicate time each Sunday to worship. 

Faith conversations arise naturally. People often ask what church we attend or what we believe. I’ve found that most are eager to share about their faith and curious about mine. Many express appreciation that we, too, hold Christian values, though our beliefs differ. 

Over time, as I’ve learned more about various teachings and practices, I’ve realized how crucial it is to remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word. Outward goodness or similarity of lifestyle does not equal faith in Christ’s atoning work. Jesus once warned of appearances that may seem righteous yet conceal what is lifeless within (Matt. 23:27). It’s a sobering reminder to look beyond what seems wholesome and remember where salvation truly lies. 

As a mother, I feel both comforted and cautious living among those of another faith. Their kindness and family-centered way of life make it easy to relax and let down one’s guard. Yet I remind myself – and my children – that salvation does not come through moral living or good works, but through faith in the forgiveness of sins. We are called to live lovingly and peaceably with all, while holding firmly to the faith that gives life.  

Discussion Questions 

1. What does it mean to “confess our faith” in today’s world? In what ways can confession happen without words? 

2. Why do you think believers might anticipate a negative response when they share their faith? 

3. How can we balance being “in the world, but not of the world” (John 17:15,16)? 

4. What can we learn from the openness and honesty of children when they explain their faith to others? 

5. How might living among people of another faith – such as in Utah – help us better understand both our own beliefs and the importance of confession? 

6. In what ways can believers support one another in confessing faith courageously and lovingly?

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