One evening, my daughter and I reviewed a lesson handout from one of her children’s church classes. Two of the questions were, “What are some things Christians should do that might be embarrassing?” and “How can God help us not to be ashamed of serving Him?”
Sadly, we may find things in our walk with God embarrassing. Worshipping God by dancing, clapping, and raising our hands may make us feel awkward. The thought of speaking up when surrounded by crude talk may inspire us to go and hide in a corner. Praying on a street corner for a stranger may send chills down our spine. All these are lifestyle actions of a Christian, inspired by God’s Word. So why do we feel so intimidated?
One reason is that we live in an unsaved world that puts pressure on us to conform to it. We are constantly surrounded by its influence. Another reason is that though our spirits are born again, our bodies and minds are not. We must let the Holy Spirit train us to act, think, and desire what our spirits desire.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2, NKJV).
We are not the only ones who are tempted to be ashamed of what we believe. When soldiers arrested Jesus, Peter denied association with Jesus. For fear of being recognized, he followed Jesus and the mob to the High Priest’s house at a distance. Continuing to fear, he claimed he didn’t know Jesus three times to three different people. The fear in his mind took over each time. The result was heartbreak (Luke 22:54-62).
We may say that we will never deny Jesus like Peter. But if we continue to be embarrassed or ashamed of representing Jesus before others, it could lead to full denial. This is especially true in the last days when the pressure is greater (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-9). This leads to a loss of our salvation when Jesus will also deny us.
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33, NKJV).
But we have no reason to be ashamed of the Gospel. It is power.
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek… (Romans 1:16, AMPC)
We would never be ashamed if our boss gave us the power to lead a company department. We would never cower with intimidation if the President of the United States authorized us to make laws and give orders. No, we would freely share our promotion with others and boldly exercise our new authority. If we aren’t ashamed of operating in the power given to us by men, why should we be ashamed of the God who has empowered us to be His?
The same people whom we’re afraid to offend will one day bow their knees to the One we serve. Not only do we serve the God of the Universe, but we are His children and representatives. With that status comes empowerment—the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead, living in us (Romans 8:11). Through that empowerment, we share the power of Christ—the Gospel and what it was sent to do.
This is the reason the devil wants us to be timid. He is trying to stop the power working in our Born-Again lives, bringing that power to someone else. Shame and embarrassment come from him and are rooted in a spirit of fear. If he can persuade us to succumb to these traits, he can do damage to our lives and God’s kingdom. Thankfully, we don’t have to give in to the temptation to fear. We can instead surrender to God’s fearless spirit.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).
If we find it embarrassing to do things like raise our hands in church, pray in public, or witness on the street, we need to consider what Jesus did for us. The awkward moments we go through as Christians pale in comparison to the “embarrassing” moments He endured.
Jesus did many things that an average man would find embarrassing. Thousands ridiculed and rejected Him for what He did and said. Disciples betrayed and denied Him. Soldiers dragged Him through the streets and put Him on display before government and church leaders. They stripped Him of His clothing and hung Him naked on a cross before thousands (Matthew 26-27). Yet He didn’t deny His mission and ask for a rescue, even when He could have (Matthew 26:53). Instead, He focused on the result of His assignment.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV, emphasis mine).
When we choose to ignore our self-consciousness, like Jesus, our intimidation will turn to joy. This joy comes because we obeyed God, blessed others, and experienced His power working through us. And like Peter, we can let our fear transform into boldness. The reward given to us by God is far greater than any affirmation we may receive from men on earth.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8, NLT).
Christa Madrid 