The Shame Game

## Shame on Who?

Hillsong sings in “What A Savior” that Jesus took our shame on the cross. A thought that crossed my mind is, “What does He do with that shame?” First of all, He bore shame before man to take our shame before God. Hebrews 12:2 “...Jesus...endured the cross, despising the shame...” How many of us enjoy being shamed in front of others? There’s a big difference as to how shame comes. Sometimes we’re shamed standing in front of another person who knows us well. We look in their eyes, and both of us know “I’m wrong, and I deserve this moment of embarrassment.” Then there’s that person in your life who really sees themselves as being above you and goes out of their way to shame anyone else they can when they get the chance. It lifts them up within themselves and makes them feel good. One of those (the former) should be in the Church, and the other (the latter) should never show up there. Too often, life’s exactly backwards from what it should be. Too much education in your brain? Arrogance? Too much power in your title? Too much prestige in your tiny corner of the world maybe? Pride? Is it little man syndrome?

## Shame on You

Both will be repaid. You who come to God in humility are really coming to God with your shame on you. You’re dressed in your own shame; admitting yourself openly. And God receives a person like this by clothing them in righteousness; clothing them with Himself. Romans 10:11 “For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’” Witnesses for Jesus in this world will be witnesses against the world for God. You may appear to be clothed in sackcloth (Rev. 11:3),

and the world may hate what you have to say. But He will make those who have stood against Him in you come bow down at your feet and see that He has loved you (Rev. 3:9).

## Self-Check

Paul said we should live in such a way, our opponents would be put to shame (Titus 2:8). If God wanted to use your life to defend us before our accusers, are you giving Him anything to work with? What can we really do? Rejoice at all glorious things done by Him (Luke 13:17), and let Him take care of the shamers. Revelation 7:9 “After this...a great multitude...standing before the Throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes… crying with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the

## Lamb!’”

## What Is It Like?