Shame!

But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Luke 9:55

Shame says to people, “You’re not a good enough Christian,” “Get more Christian,” “Seriously, why aren’t you the best Christian ever by now, I’ve been saying this like forever…?” In some ways, shame can be really good at getting us moving – but often in the wrong direction: “Wow, I am awful, I’d better keep my head down.” The problem is, when we hear and take in the message of shame, our lives get smaller and we shrink into ourselves. We barricade off our world and live far smaller than what God has planned. If you’ve ever been embarrassed or shamed by others in church, or called out in a sermon, know this: love is the main way to grow healthily. God’s way is release. Conviction (His wake-up call to sin) leads that way. Condemnation (wallowing in fear, guilt, and/or embarrassment over that sin) doesn’t; it loops you back into yourself. He only calls you out on sin to get it out of your way, let Him fix you up and pull you into Him. Shame isn’t God’s tool to force you to bow to Him. If you feel yourself being convicted of something, deal with it, be turned away from it and walk on in the right direction, knowing that God’s grace and forgiveness is always there.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to change things that You want me to change so I can be the person You want me to be. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen