By Minister Mamie L. Pack

Not ashamed

“19) For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20) According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Philippians 1: 19-20 KJV

It has begun.  Gone are the days my eldest son would come running to give me a hug or ask for a kiss regardless to who was around or where we were.  Now, he shies away from my hugs and kisses in public for fear of someone seeing him.  He gets embarrassed and even becomes somewhat ashamed when I still choose to hug him before he goes to practice or kiss his cheek goodbye.  Then there are those moments, especially when he is sick or just having a down day that all he wants is to be near me and receive all of my attention.  At that moment, he doesn’t mind the kisses, the hugs, the words of affection.

Isn’t it funny how we can be that way?  It seemed like it wasn’t so long ago either that I was trying to shy away from my mom and now here I am with my own.  What causes children to be ashamed of the very person that helps them with homework, takes care of them when they are sick, provides a food for them to eat, and so much more?   Unfortunately, we can be the same way with Christ.  When we need Him, we want His love, His blessings, and His affection.  Then at other times, we can act like we don’t know Him.

Here is one of Paul’s epistles to the saints at Philippi.  During this time, he is waiting patiently to receive news of his upcoming release from prison while encouraging the Philippians to stay the course in ministry.  As he is preparing for release, he reveals that he prays that he will not be ashamed of Christ but that Christ would be magnified in everything that he does.  He was aware that his words, his deeds, and his attitude could be tools to bring shame to Christ. As believers, where ever we go, we are representatives of Christ.  This means we can either bring glory to His name or shame.  When we choose to use language that is derogatory because someone has upset us or when we choose to take our frustration out on others because we have been treated unfairly are ways that we bring shame to the name of Christ.

Paul already had it settled in him to do whatever was necessary to magnify the name of Christ.  He understood that doing what is right is not determined by right circumstances but is as a result of having right thinking.  We are to have it settled in us that regardless of the place, the circumstance, or the people around us, we will choose to do what edifies our Christ.  Edifying Christ means to be patient, to show mercy, to be kind, to give love, and to help those in need.  Magnifying Christ is a tool to help draw others closer to Him.  People will want to know about the God we serve with such joy, peace, and willingness.  It is how we choose to use our words, our deeds, and our thoughts that makes the difference.

Prayer

My awesome Heavenly Father, I thank you that there is power in your name.  That I have a God that is always with me and never leaves nor forsakes me regardless of the mistakes and flaws that I have.  Lord, I am thankful to know that even when I didn’t want you, You had already chosen me.  As I go about my day and week, help me to edify you in all areas of my life.  Reveal to me those hidden areas that hurt my witness and detract from my walk with you.  I pray that I may receive correction willingly.  Thank you for Your blood which was shed for me.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Suggested Weekly Reading

Monday           Philippians 1: 19-20

Tuesday           2 Corinthians 7: 4

Wednesday      1 Peter 4: 16

Thursday          Romans 14: 8

Friday              1 Corinthians 6: 20

Saturday           Romans 5: 1-5

Sunday Acts 4: 31

Application

Choose to use your words and actions to magnify Christ.

About the author:

As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord.  It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ.  Click here for other writings available at the author's blog  www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com 

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