This blog was a harder one to write. It’s kinda deep and will really get you thinking. I tried posting it a few weeks ago, but it never saved. I figured I would wait till after training camp amd do a blog about what God has done over the last 10 days. However, after coming home, this was even more heavy on my heart.
For I am unashamed of the Gospel…
How many times have you heard a Christian say they were unashamed of Christ? How many of you would say your unashamed of Christ? This is something we tend to say quite frequently. The question I have for you today is: ARE YOU TRULY UNASHAMED? Do you actually believe that? Many of you are saying to yourself “Yes of course!” By the end of this blog, my goal is to change your mind. It’s not that I want you to feel ashamed, but I want you to realize just how powerful those words are.
You see, we go around saying we are unashamed of the gospel. We live a good and evident life in order for others to realize we are different. However, when given the oppertunity to actually witness and take the time to openly speak about it, we don’t. Why? Because we are afraid. We justify ourselves by fear. We are afraid to speak out. We are afraid of what others might think or say. We are simply afraid of being rejected. Admit it, you have been afraid. I have been afraid. But, what is fear? Fear is to be afraid of a potential danger that could occur. Many people (especially in other countries) literally fear for their lives when speaking about God. For some their life or the life of a loved one could be on the line. Yet, here in America, it’s not so much our lives we are worried about, rather our reputation. Right now, I am sitting on a bench at a peaceful park. I have my open Bible by my side without any fear of being in danger. See, we can’t blame any of this on fear. When that still voice, or inward gut feeling, compells you to speak and you refuse, it’s caled shame. It’s plain and simple, you are ashamed.
Imagine this, you look over to the person next to you. In their eyes there is this darkness, this sadness. You give a friendly smile, and of course they give one in return. Yet, their eyes remain darkened. You hear a small whisper in the back of your mind “Say something. Speak about the name of Jesus.” What do you do? I mean, you barely know this person. You try to ignore it, your kinda busy anyways. Your heart beats heavily now, and your stomache starts to turn you know you have to do something. “Just wait,” you tell yourself. “Wait a little longer, you don’t want to scare them away.” So, you wait. You look away for just a few seconds, and then, they’re gone. It’s too late. You missed it. Somtimes this can happen. Way more then we even realize. We sit around and wait for the perfect window of opportunity.
After coming home from training camp, I was informed that a co-woker had passed away by taking his own life. I didn’t know him well, but that was no excuse to not share the love of Christ. But I didnt. I tought If I waited, I could find the perfect oppertunity. I thought I would have more time. However, the perfect opportunity is NOT when the timing feels right. The perfect opportunity is the one you take. I am relizing now, a life is like a grain of sand/ You never know how much time one has before they slip through your fingers.
We can not let an opportunity pass us, because we never know when it will be the last oppertunity we get. Do not be ashamed. You have nothing to loose except this chance if you don’t take it. Imagine how bad you will feel knowing you could have led them to change, but you didn’t. Imagine how bad it would feel to know you had the chance to show them everlasting life, but because you stayed silent, they will never live in peace.
So, no more using fear as an excuse. What’s there to be ashamed of? Stand up, be bold, and live out Romans
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”-Romans 1:16
Quick funding update: I have an anonymous donor who is wiling to match the next $500 given! I need to have at least $10,000 by August 22nd. I will also be hosting a Spagetti Diner and Silent Auction on July 30th, so stay tune for more info! Thanks!
