“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed.
These words have always made me take pause. I learned early on in school that it wasn’t “cool” to be the Christian girl. I hated being called a “goody-goody” and found it much easier to hide my faith. I’d love to say that I grew out of that, but how many times have I held back speaking words of truth to friends and coworkers because I was afraid they would think I was crazy? How many times have I not stopped to talk to someone in the store or on the street for fear of coming across as weird?
Too many. Thank God for grace.
In order to say “I am not ashamed of the gospel” in confidence, “[God] must increase and I must decrease” (John 3:30). I’m learning what it means to die to myself each day. At the heart of not being bold is a desire to please people…ultimately, a heart of selfishness. When I do not share the gospel with those around me, I am caring more about myself than those I interact with. I am caring that people approve of me instead of caring about offering people the freedom that comes with the Gospel.
In Philippians, Paul writes from prison to the people of Philippi. Let’s first remember that Paul (formerly known as Saul) was one of the greatest persecutors of Christians of all time. Anyway, Paul is writing from prison and says, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14).
Paul looks past himself and past his circumstances and sees that through it, God is receiving glory and more people are coming to know Christ. While in prison, Paul is joyful – how incredibly different from the rest of the inmates. Through his joy, the guards are coming to know Christ.
Would I be able to say this? Would I be able to rejoice in knowing that even though people thought I was weird, that more people were coming to Jesus?
I can’t help but think about my brothers and sisters in Iraq who are experiencing great persecution – their lives on the line for their beliefs. How can I be ashamed of the gospel, when rejection is the worst I might receive?
God, I pray you sustain the Christians in Iraq. Grow their faith and help them to not be ashamed of the gospel. I pray for the men of ISIS. Change their hearts as you changed Paul’s. I pray that you, God, are glorified through this and that more people will come to know you.
Even as I write this, I pause.
And then, I reread Romans 1:16. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…“
The power of God for salvation to EVERYONE who believes. The power of God for salvation is the reason I believe. If I am ashamed of the gospel (i.e. selfish and worried what others will think of me), then I am making the decision for others that they do not want to know about the power of God for salvation that is available to them. This is a free gift that changes lives!
If you know me, you know I love free stuff. Last summer, Chris and I attended a couple of (free) concerts in the Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. At the entrance, Snapple was doing a promotion and handing out free drinks. Chris and I were ecstatic and even called up our friends to let them know.
This excitement from a free drink should fail in comparison to the joy and sense of urgency I have when sharing the gospel. Come on – it’s a free gift of salvation to all who believe!
Lord, help me to desire this for others far more than I desire their approval.
God, continue to change me. I am not who I once was. I am a sinner, but I am forgiven. I am not a slave to my sin and selfishness. I am free.
