Unashamed

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” ~ Romans 1:16

The dictionary definition of “ashamed” states, “embarrassed or guilty because of one's actions, characteristics, or associations.” “The Gospel” refers to the revelation of Jesus as the Christ and how He saves humanity from sin and death. The Apostle Paul proclaimed the Gospel as “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Belief opens one to receive new birth and eternal life. Therefore, everyone who claims to be saved and ready for heaven upon their death and yet acts ashamed of the Gospel that makes it possible is incomplete. 

Consider for a moment those parts of your life for which you bear no shame. Perhaps it’s your favorite sports team or beloved alma mater. You wear clothing with emblems; you put stickers and plates on your car, you fly a flag in your yard. Maybe you are unashamed of your political orientation, so you make similar displays of your allegiance. What else do you sincerely believe and to which are shamelessly devoted? 

Suppose it was a simple matter of loyalty to one thing or another. In that case, one could be justified in a shared enthusiasm, usually the case concerning sports teams and universities. However, some people are radically devoted to ideologies that lead them into actions and words that oppress and injure others. Their unashamed commitment is incomplete without the acquiescence of those whom they suppose reject them and their belief. Many unite within churches and denominations. 

It is not surprising that most Christians remain silent about their dedication to Christ. Those who are so thoroughly devoted to certain human ideologies tend to be obsessed with the defeat or surrender of those they oppose. It is no wonder that peace-loving and honorable persons fear speaking up for balance and measured discipline. Even so, there are times when embarrassment replaces justifiable fear. When peer pressure and the desires of the flesh lead one’s self will to resist the Holy Spirit within him, it is a gospel joyfully received and then hidden under a basket. 

Jesus said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” and “Whoever hates me hates my Father also.” Therefore, if one is unashamed of the Gospel, he is sure to be hated because of his association with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Be on guard then so that oppression and hatred directed against you are not due to your tastes and disdain for the ideologies you oppose. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Recall the previous weekly encouragement: Rejection and persecution await the insurgent disciple of Christ. Sadly, much of it will come from within one’s closest relationships. The ironic resistance of self-proclaimed “Christians,” pious devotees to a religion or spiritual ideal, and fellow church members will cause faithless institutions to exile their members. There will even be character assassinations and physical harm. It may be hard to hear, but more than 2000 years of Christian history affirms these facts. Insurgents are not identified by a fierce devotion to ideologies. Instead, they are known for their unashamed commitment to the Gospel of Christ. Who said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”