The embarrassed Christian
If people are ashamed of me and my teaching, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of holy angels. Luke 9 : 26 (GNB) |
Today's passage contains a stark warning, if you are ashamed of God while you are alive on the Earth, he will be ashamed of you when you die and try and get into Heaven. Strong words which we should all take to heart.
Let's take a quick look at what being ashamed means. According to the Oxford Dictionary it is to be "embarrassed or have guilt because of ones actions, characteristics or associations" or "reluctant to do something through fear or embarrassment".
Are you embarrassed to be associated with God? How many of your non-church friends, colleagues or neighbours know that you are a Christian? Is your faith something that you shy away from or embrace? If we were to interview the people you know, do you think they are aware that you are a Christian. Do they know about your relationship with Jesus? If the answer is yes, great! If not how are you going to go about changing this today?
Outward appearance is one thing. You may go to church, your Facebook profile may say that you are a Christian. But do you have a relationship with Jesus? This is what changes superficial Christian lip-service into something meaningful and real.
Being a loyal Christian, and following Jesuss teaching does not mean that you obsess with following the letter of the Bible's law. Unless you are superhuman you wont be able to keep all of it, no matter how hard you try. Fortunately, Jesus isn't expecting you to be superhuman. All he is after is that you have a relationship with him. Then he will make things right between you and God.
Also, as your relationship develops you will feel more comfortable with his way of doing things which will mean that you feel less embarrassed which means that you no longer need to feel ashamed which is what we are after!
Today focus on your relationship with Jesus. Once that is sorted everything else will start to fall into place. Have a great week!
You know what it is like at on a dance-floor, everyone stands embarrassed around the edge, until someone brave makes the first move and starts dancing. After that it is never long until the party is in full flow. This weeks song Gods Great Dance Floor by Passion featuring Chris Tomlin shares this energy. This week be the person to make the first move and get the party started! |
Header image by: Death to the Stock Photo