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

It was going to end the same way every year ended. Disappointment. Disgrace. Defeat. The 2004 Boston Red Sox were about to be eliminated from the playoffs, extending their 86 year run of futility. But a stolen base and an extra inning’s walk off home run extended the series. The Red Sox would go on to win their first World Series since 1918. I had never been ashamed to wear my Sox hat–I knew I was on the winning side!

The apostle Paul lived a difficult life after his conversion to Christianity. He was beaten, stoned, imprisoned and left for dead. He was mocked and ridiculed for his faith. Yet, he was unashamed of the message of good news he continually preached. The word “ashamed” means disgraced. HELPS Word Studies says it describes the “fitting shame that matches the mistake of wrongly identifying or aligning with something.” Paul was not ashamed for he knew the deliverance God offered was based on His dynamic, miraculous power and that every person who trusts God would be saved.

There are plenty of days in this life were it feels like those who align themselves with God are losing. Our culture stands in direct opposition to almost everything Scripture teaches. We can become easily discouraged by those who mock us and who ridicule our lifestyle. In many other countries, our brothers and sisters in Christ are even being physically persecuted. Yet those who love God are on the winning side! One day, every knee will bow to Jesus the King (Philippians 2:10). My friends, let’s stand together–unashamed.

-Pastor Mike