By: Karl Lee

Ever felt ashamed? My Webster’s New World College Dictionary lists three definitions:

• feeling shame because of something bad, wrong or foolish
• feeling humiliated or embarrassed as from a sense of inadequacy or inferiority
• reluctant because fearing shame beforehand

If you are anything like me I have been guilty of all three.

As you ponder on these definitions it is easy to visualize how one can embarrass and shame themselves. I vividly remember the first time I was to stand before a class and teach. This was in the military and I was to teach on scheme and maneuver. For civilians that means how to approach and get in the best possible position to engage the enemy. Stammer, stutter and feeling inadequate, that was me.
Have you ever felt that way when it comes to giving your testimony or sharing Jesus with someone? A bit timid, stammering a little or maybe get a bit flushed in the face? Been there and done that. But you know what? Once you get started and get past the first hurdle it is amazing how well it goes. The Word of God has something to say about being ashamed.

 
Consider these bits of Scripture:
Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33.
If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels. Mark 8:38
Better yet is Paul’s encouragement in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of….” Well, you finish reading it for yourselves it will encourage you!