Do not be ashamed of Jesus

Do Not Be Ashamed Of Jesus!

Bill Gothard
A hotel owner learned that a friend was near death, so he visited him and told him about the eternal life that Jesus offers. Soon after, the hotel owner was invited to become a member of the board of directors of his hotel chain. He told the members of the board how honored he was to be offered such a position but that he probably would not qualify for three reasons. First, he was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, his family was a greater priority to him than his hotel; and third, he based every decision on the principles of Scripture.

The board replied, “We have discussed these issues, and it is because of them that we want you to be a member of the board.” This man later became vice president of one of the largest hotel chains in the United States. How did these opportunities come about? The friend to whom he had witnessed was a member of the board; before he died he had strongly recommended that this Christian man take over his position.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

Many have asked me why God has not shown them His will for their lives. One possible answer is that they have not acknowledged Christ in all their ways. This would include the following actions:

Being a living example of Christ’s way of life
Taking advantage of opportunities to tell others about Jesus
Thanking God for your meal in a public place, such as a restaurant
Giving a ready answer when people question your faith
Boldly praying in the name of Jesus before groups
Having a testimony prepared to share what God is doing in your life
Expressing grief when others misuse Jesus’ name
Mark 8:38 has always motivated me to put the fear of man in proper perspective. “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

“We fear men so much, because we fear God so little.”—William Gurnall

Before we condemn Peter for denying that he ever knew Jesus, judge the fearful Pharisees for being secret believers, or question the motives of Nicodemus for coming to Jesus by night, let’s ask ourselves how we have given public evidence that we are not ashamed of Jesus but rather that we are delighted with Him and cannot help but boldly speak about Him.

Through Christ our Lord,

Bill Gothard

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Father of every heavenly light, I ask You to correct me gently as I place myself, my imperfections, failures and sins in Your presence. Forgive and cleanse me by the blood of Jesus so that I might be spotless, holy, and blameless in Your sights. O Lord, I don't want just to be forgiven, I want to be useful to You and Your church. Please help me find my way to usefulness. In Jesus name I pray. Amen and Amen.