Defining Moments

UNASHAMED!

The other morning I was waiting for my coffee and breakfast burrito at a local coffee shop and over-heard a conversation between two customers. The guy was telling his tale of woe concerning his ex-wife, custody of his kids, going to court, conflict over schools, etc. I wondered if when he first decided to venture down the path of marital bliss he envisioned having those kinds of conversations, out loud for all to hear, with an acquaintance in a coffee shop. Of course not…they never do. Change the names and a few mi-nor circumstances and it’s a conversation repeated thousands of times daily, by the massive community of those trying to deal with the ravages of divorce and broken families.

Although I would never be this bold—bordering on rude—I imagined saying, “Doin’ life without Jesus? How’s that workin’ for ya so far?” Hopefully, I wouldn’t say it out of pride or an attempt to shame him, but he was a young guy; his kids were obviously young and I thought, “This is just the beginning of his problems. How different would his life be now and in the future if he and his “ex” had chosen to be obedient to God rather than going down the path prescribed all-too-often by our culture? His story is repeated over and over again and if the kids turn out okay, it is only by the grace of God.

“Doin’ life without Jesus? How’s that workin’ for ya so far?” Would such a question be totally out of line to ask of someone who shamelessly airs his dirty laundry before unsuspecting coffee consumers like me? Would it really be inappropriate to ask of a person try-ing hopelessly to navigate through the consequences of their poor decisions apart from Christ? If you really believed that what you could offer would really help, would it be wrong to ask?

The reason I’m not ashamed of the gospel is not because it gives me a sense of superiority when I en-counter these situations, but that I know it is truly their only hope. But, if I know they are lost without embracing the gospel, why do I so often stay silent when I should speak up?

I must admit, the coffee shop scenario is not my “cup of tea” when it comes to extolling the benefits of a life lived with Jesus at the helm. I’d much rather stand before a huge crowd of supportive congregants and spout off about what those who don’t know Christ are missing, than offer one stranger the healing power he really needs, while awaiting my cup of java. But, if he’s not ashamed to announce the failure of his marriage and its painful consequences, dare I be too ashamed to speak up? Really, I can’t lose. Even if he rudely rebuffed me, I’d get a good sermon illustration out of it. But, still I’m silent as I stir in my cream and sugarless sweetener.

Being unashamed to share what only God can of-fer has stood between the extinction and the ad-vancement of the gospel for centuries. A few simple words, or a well-placed question has made all the dif-ference, thousands of times. So it is no surprise that the New Testament repeatedly emphasizes not al-ways keeping our mouths shut.

Jesus warned that if we confess Him before men He will confess us before the Father. But, if we deny Him, He will deny us. Paul writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel,” and “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,” and “I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed” (Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim 1:8, 12). Peter wrote, “Do not fear their intimidation and do not be troubled” (2 Peter 3:14).

So, I ask you and me: Are you ignoring what the Bi-ble says? How’s that workin’ for ya so far?



“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory”

—LUKE 9:26 NASB