Shame sneaks in doesn't it. I'm not talking about being ashamed of your boyfriend who hasn't showered in a week, smells like dung, wearing the same nasty sweatpants for a month with that hole in the crotch trying to kiss you with shag-carpet teeth and mocking those who 'dress-up' to go on a date. Be ashamed...very ashamed. No, I'm talking about being ashamed of Christ.
Maybe we hesitate to place our bible on the restaurant table. Or we leave it in our bag while we study at the library. Or shuffle it into our desk at work before a meeting. Or into the glove-box of our work van at the job site.
Shame-Blame: This is when we know we're ashamed but blame the modern church for being such a lousy witness to the public...if they hadn't screwed up Jesus' name, truth and message we wouldn't have to be ashamed to call ourselves a Christian.
OR We blame those who failed to instill in us the right passion, knowledge, courage to stand firm in the gospel and now have to find 'creative' ways to live out the faith.
Shame-Pain: (a fruity-bubbly cocktail of misery) The inevitable end to any form of shame in Christ. Paul urges us to never be ashamed of the Gospel - it's our power, strength and ultimately salvation (Rom. 1). Jesus warns us not to be ashamed of Him...or He'll be eternally ashamed of us (Luke 9). Terrifying.
Shame of Christ sneaks in - it robs us of the Spirits gift of joy - it robs us of opportunities to suffer like Christ. Stand firm then in the Word...for the Lords coming is near.
