Unashamed

“For  I am  not ashamed  of the gospel  of  Christ, for  it is the  power of  God  for  salvation for  everyone  who  believes.”        Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

I don’t know how it is in your neighborhood, but around here in the fall  football season, the signs are  inescapable. The fans turn out in their bragging mode, showing their colors  with the Big Orange T visible everywhere. Flags fly from  car windows and on porches. I think it’s not only the college-age young people that  show their colors. Alumni of all ages also give evidence that they have the school spirit. And it’s a good thing to do. Our old high school or  college means a lot to us. I enjoy wearing my  Terps sweatshirt  with the big turtle (terrapin)  logo on the front.

All of these exhibitions of  fandom show how well people regard  their schools  and colleges  and want others to know how they feel. They are not in the least ashamed of the logo and paraphernalia of these institutions. But quite often it is hard to get people to  display their pride in and affiliation with “the gospel of Christ.” Some  may consider it totally inappropriate  to proclaim to the world, through their clothing or other items on their person, their allegiance  to Christ.  They may consider it too blatant, saying that one’s religion is a private matter. Others may think it’s a nice thing for  those  who are brave enough to do it, but they consider themselves too shy for that.

The apostle Paul didn’t think  anything like that. In our focus text, he stoutly declared  for everyone to know that  he wasn’t ashamed of the  powerful gospel of Jesus Christ. We may not wear  John 3:16 on a jersey or on a headband, but in some way the message should get through that we are not in any way  ashamed of the gospel. The truth that the gospel has given us the power to live a joyful, godly life should be observable to all who know us and interact with us. The signs should  be evident in our kindly attitude toward them,  our willingness to be genuinely helpful to those in need, and in our  readiness to give faithful, quality service  on the  job. Our life and demeanor must be a flag flying  high, proclaiming that we are not ashamed of  the gospel that propels our life.

Those who wear the colors of their schools  are letting the world know that they are true fans, but our Christian witness goes beyond fandom. We show our colors as true believers in Christ.  Let us demonstrate through our  kind actions and genuine  words of grace that we  love  Jesus sincerely and  are thankful for the gospel of salvation.

Always,

Judith

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This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine.
Harold   Loes