Courage means compassion. For me, not being ashamed of the gospel isn’t just an inward-focused pursuit of a holy God. It’s also an outward-focused pursuit of love.
Sure, I have a wife and kids to love (and be loved back), but that’s just a start. If I’m truly not ashamed, if I truly want to spell out the words Christ wrote on me, then I’m compelled to stop and consider every time I whip out my credit card or download an album or throw something away. These thoughts hit me: am I doing enough with what I have for God? For the Christians worshipping underground in China? For the guy who lost everything in Haiti and doesn’t even know God?
I’m no ascetic, and I have no desire to sell everything and move into a cave. But I know there’s more to standing firm on God’s Word than just reading it. There’s also the doing part.
So, I’m not ashamed to give up a dream vacation so someone else can eat. I’m not ashamed to pick through clearance racks so someone else can read the Bible in their own language.
If I’m going to love others like God commanded, I’m going all out. No shame in that.
These comments are not reflective of the views of Answers in Genesis or its affiliates.