Not Ashamed

      By Fern Horst

"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." (Romans 1:16)

When my nieces and nephews are baptized, my parents commemorate the event by giving them a framed print of a Scripture verse of their choosing, done in calligraphy. I was moved when one of my nephews chose this verse. So often we choose as our special verses those which give us promises of God's goodness in some earthly form. But how much better when we realize the greater picture of God's purpose and plan for us and for all of mankind. My nephew selected a verse that reminded him of this plan.

It is so easy to become consumed with what is in this life for me. As singles we often focus on what we are missing out on. Or if we are happy with our singleness, it's because we're focused on our freedom from family responsibilities. Neither one is God's purpose for us as singles, just as seeking fulfillment in marriage and children, or complaining of all one has to do for one's family, is not God's purpose for those who are married.

As Christians we are part of a plan put in place by God to bring salvation to all those who believe in Christ. Our purpose is to further His Kingdom. Personal fulfillment comes as we live out this purpose. Not being ashamed of the Gospel of Christ is the basis for fulfilling it. When we realize that others will suffer for all eternity if they do not know Christ as their Savior, we can be bold in telling them about Him. We have something they need for eternal survival. If they reject it or us because of it, that is their choice. But our part in saving them from eternal torment is to tell them about Christ.

When we focus on our personal lives and what we have or don't have and what's in it for us, those whom God has called us to tell about Him will suffer for it. God's Kingdom will not be advanced. There's so much more at stake with what we do with our lives than whether or not we end up "happy" and "fulfilled".

I have no idea what God's specific plan is for my nephew. I don't know whether he will be married or single. But I do know that God has created him with his unique talents and personality and opportunities to serve Him and to advance His Kingdom. As long as he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, I know that God will be able to fulfill His purpose through him. That is my prayer for him and for all my nieces and nephews. And that is my prayer for you.

What is your testimony? Are you consumed with your marital status or some other earthly aspect of life? Or are you consumed with boldness for spreading the Gospel of Christ? Let's pray for each other that we will not be ashamed of Christ but that we will spend our lives furthering His cause and fulfilling His purpose.

© 2006 Fern Horst

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