BIBLE PASSAGE:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power
of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
(Romans 1:16)
MEDITATION:
Are you ashamed to put a Bible on your desk at work?
Are you ashamed to bow your head in a restaurant?
Are you ashamed to invite people to Jesus Christ?
Are you ashamed (or too selfish) to attend worship services?
Are you ashamed of the One who died for you?
In order to understand the magnitude of our actions,
we need to look at the definition of some words.
“Ashamed” is defined as, “feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace”.
Also, “embarrassed or guilty because of one’s actions,
characteristics, or associations”.
“Guilt” is defined as,
“having committed a specified or implied offense or crime”.
“Disgrace” is defined as, “loss of reputation or respect
as the result of a dishonorable action”.
With those words defined, think about how we can
reject the Lord through our actions (or lack of actions),
and ask ourselves some questions.
When I allow my faith to show,
does it make me feel embarrassed, or guilty?
What am I embarrassed about?
Is it the fact that I am proclaiming to others that I love
and believe in the One who gave His life for me?
Do I feel like I have committed some offense that causes guilt?
Think about this for a second, if we are faced with a situation
and we know our actions would offend one of two people,
would we choose to offend the Lord?
Do I feel that my actions will damage my reputation
or cause others to lose respect for me?
Am I afraid that they would consider
expressing my faith as a dishonorable action?
Again, if we are going to lose respect from one of two people,
would we choose to lose the Lord’s respect?
The truth is, life is filled with choices, and as followers
of Christ, our allegiance should always be faithful to Him.
We need to understand that we cannot dodge
offending someone whenever we freely express our faith.
We should not allow Satan to use our emotions, our feelings,
our pride, or our desire to be liked, to silence us from expressing
our faith, for fear of what others might think about us.
Our motivations should be measured by what God thinks about us.
It is His opinion that determines our eternal destiny!
ACTION:
A little boy had a dog,
and a friend asked him what kind of dog he was.
He was just a mongrel,
but the little fellow said, “Well, he’s a police dog.”
The friend said,
“He doesn’t look like a police dog.”
The little guy replied,
“He’s in the secret service.”
Do you look like a Christian to others, or would they
describe you as being in the secret service for the Lord?
God encourages His followers to be “strong and courageous”.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God
will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because
of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave
you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Why does God want us to be bold?
Because when we are saved, we become His representatives.
As His agents, we are tasked with illuminating His presence,
and not trying to keep Him out of sight from others.
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under
a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in
can see the light.” (Luke 8:16)
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, help me to never be ashamed or embarrassed
about my faith. Teach me to live my life in such a manner that
others will know I belong to You. Forgive me for hiding my faith
and guide me in being strong and courageous about my faith going
forward. Thank You for giving me a reason to be grateful and proud
that I am a Christian. May You always have first place in my life.”
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