Some things I was ashamed of growing up, I'm now ashamed I was ashamed
of.
Until my middle school years, I was proud of my parents.
While they didn't give me everything I wanted, they gave me all I
needed. I never had to wear raggedy clothes or holey shoes. Mom prepared
home-cooked meals, and our cabinets were never bare. Though my parents
were not lovey-dovey, they always acted in ways that let me know I was
loved. Abusive or negative words never flowed from their mouths. They
wanted the best for their three sons.
When I reached the teenage
years, my attitude changed. Suddenly, feelings of shame over who my
parents were arose. I didn't enjoy telling people my father was a
preacher because then I was labeled a "PK." I was expected to be good
all the time. And the rules I had previously willingly obeyed now seemed
foolish. Being made to go to church every time the doors were opened
didn't help either. Many of my friends never darkened a church's doors.
Reflecting now, I'm ashamed that I was ever ashamed of my parents.
Unfortunately, I was sometimes ashamed of what Paul proclaims loudly
that he wasn't ashamed of: the gospel of Jesus Christ. I didn't like
others to know I was a preacher's kid. I certainly didn't flaunt my
faith-and rarely shared it.
Things changed when I was in my mid
20's. I adopted Paul's attitude-and for good reason. The gospel is good
news, and people need to hear some good news. After all, bad news is
almost all we hear from media sources. Telling people they are loved
unconditionally and can be forgiven of their sins is encouraging news
worth spreading.
I'm not ashamed to share something that includes
an invitation for everyone. God excludes none except those who refuse on
their own volition to come. Nor am I ashamed to share something that has
eternal consequences. Refusing to accept God's gospel means an eternity
in a less than pleasant place.
Sharing news that has the power to
change lives is something to be proud of, not ashamed of. When the good
news of the gospel is received, everything changes: my outlook on life,
my priorities, my relationships, and my eternity.
Are you
unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Martin Wiles
Hodges, South Carolina, USA
