Doesn’t it just seem so much easier to pursue comfort, keep the peace, don’t rock the boat? Who do you stand with?
3. What Can You Do About Being Ashamed?
I want to remind you of what Peter did after that moment…
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)
Peter regretted what he had done, and he never did it again. That’s called … repentance.
Peter would get a second chance and he would seize it! Fifty days later, in Acts 2, we see Peter standing before a crowd, preaching the death and resurrection of Jesus. We see him going to jail for it. And being beaten, and eventually, dying for Jesus.
He never wavered in his commitment to Christ again.
So to answer the question: What can you do about being ashamed? Don’t stand with the scoffers. Don’t be self-confident. Don’t make yourself too comfortable.
Get yourself ready when you know you’re going into a situation where being a Christian is hard.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; (1 Peter 3:14-15)
Wow. Talk about a guy speaking from experience. Be ready. Be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you…
Stop warming yourself at the fires of comfort and acceptance. Stand up for him before your co-workers, your family, your government, you professors at school. You may be mocked, you may be persecuted. One day soon, you may even be arrested. So what?
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)
Conclusion
Consider Thomas Cranmer. He was given a second chance. And he seized it. Consider Peter. He was given a second chance and he seized it. If you have denied Christ in your words or behavior, today is your second chance. Seize it. Stand with Jesus. You will not regret it.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
