The word ashamed means to be embarrassed or guilty because of one’s actions, characteristics, or associations. Given that definition, we probably all have actions and attitudes we would rather leave in a closet hidden away where no one else will know. When we are ashamed, we do not bring it up in conversation. We move away from situations that will expose or remind us of our shameful actions or attitudes.
The opposite of that would be bold or proud. If you shy away because you are ashamed, then you would do the opposite if you were not ashamed. You would look for opportunities to make known the things you are proud of. Like a doting grandparent with a pocket full of pictures and a mind full of stories about her grandchildren. I know a few people who are so proud of a grandchild that every conversation seems to lead back to that child. There is an evident love and sense of pride when they mention their name.
In Romans 1:16, Paul states that he is not ashamed of the gospel. I recorded a song called “I’m Not Ashamed,” and every time I sang it, people all over the congregation said, “Amen.” It seems to stir them to voice their feelings about what Christ has done for them. However, I must remind us that I am singing in a church. This is a place where Christians have no problem being unashamed of Christ. My concern is that many of those people are not stirred enough to take it outside the church walls. Are we really bold if the only place we express our boldness is within Christian circles where it is common and acceptable?
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Paul is a great example of what it means to be unashamed of the gospel. He says he is ready to share this message about Christ because it is the power of God to bring people to salvation. This power will save them from an eternal Hell unto an eternal Heaven. When Paul talks about not being ashamed, he backs that statement up with his actions. Everywhere Paul went, people knew where he stood with Christ before he moved on. He even used the episode of Mars Hill in Acts 17 to witness about Christ, when he saw the inscription of the “Unknown God.” He looked for opportunities and made the most of them.
Act 17:23 “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.”
At the time of the writing of Romans 1, Paul longs to go to Rome to witness to those in authority. He will go with one message. The crucifixion of Christ, the risen Savior, God in the flesh, will be his message and his purpose. Nothing else mattered to Paul. He was willing to proclaim Christ no matter what the cost was to him. Prison did not deter him, nor did threats change his mind. Paul knew this life was only a brief moment compared to eternity, and his love for Jesus caused him to seek every way possible to declare salvation through Jesus Christ.
When was the last time you boldly declared your faith to others? If you are not seeking opportunities, you may want to check your heart. Does fear of rejection rule? Do you desire the acceptance of man more than the acceptance of God? Are you willing to stand alone for Christ? Think of it this way;
First, when we possess something we are proud of, we display it publicly.
Second, if God gives you the opportunity to say something, He expects you to do it. Not doing so is disobedience to Him.
Third, if the Holy Spirit is urging you to say something, He is already at work in the heart of someone present. He goes before us and prepares the way. Your disobedience could mean the difference between Heaven and Hell for all eternity for someone.
I believe if your desire is to be bold like Paul, God will give you all you need to do it.
