Shame {Part 4}

Romans 9:33  

"As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone 

and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth 

on him shall not be ashamed." 

    The third and final option, and the only right option is:  Christians acknowledge what is shameful within them in the safety of God's promised grace. Shame is an internal witness that sin has corrupted us, and only God could set things straight. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise," (Ps. 51:17).

    As I said early shame is a healthy part, but not a healthy end of the Christian identity. That's because Christian identity is founded on the message of Jesus Christ. "And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.  And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?  When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," (Mark 2: 15-17). 

    My friends the end of Christian identity is Righteousness, not shame! Righteousness is given by faith. "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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith," (Rom. 1:16-17).        

    Shame is a privilege, remember that the next time you experience it. It shows that God God values you enough to beckon you to the righteousness that, He alone can provide. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever," (Ps. 23:6) 

Amen!

Ref: (HG SB)

May God Bless You 

And Your Family

Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.

The Cross Life Ministry