I Am Not Ashamed

I hadn't been a Christian for very long, perhaps a year or two, when I received a call from an old friend, actually my ex_husband, inviting me to his house for the evening. The reason for the invitation was another guest he was entertaining that night. She was an old friend of mine, as well. I had grown up with this woman, and we lived just two houses from one another sharing almost all our youth together in play and in school.

I had reservations about going that evening. For one thing, I knew what kind of get together this would be. There would be a lot of pot smoking going on, and I wanted no more to do with that sort of thing. My focus on life had changed so much, and I hesitated in knowing how to refuse without giving offense. The other reason was that I wasn't really sure I wanted to see my old neighborhood friend again. As a child and teen, almost every bad situation I got myself into was due to being in the company of a true troublemaker, my friend. And, she absolutely never took the blame, but passed that part onto me. My memories of this friendship were not very pleasant. I had gotten into some serious trouble over the years, not to mention some very bad habits she had taught me,

Torn between not wanting to go and feeling the need for my friends to experience the new me as a Christian, I agreed. I informed my family that I wouldn't be late, and made my way across town feeling a little queasy with anticipation. I gave myself a pep talk and entered the house of my friend.

The evening went well enough. I did, indeed, refuse the refreshment that was being passed around our circle of friends. My old friend and I were the only ones who didn't join in, and I admit that it made me uncomfortable at the time. But, I'm glad to say that I was not uncomfortable enough to cave in, or nott to reveal to them why I was now different when they asked. Thankfully, that was the last of those kinds of parties to which I was invited. My new circle of friends had much better and more fun entertainment to offer.

Today, thirty years later, I could handle that sort of situation in a very different manner and with a very different attitude. But, the only reason for that is that He has taught me through His word over the years that I certainly have nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. I happily and readily share with anyone who will listen about what Christ has done for me, and how He is the best thing that could happen to anyone. And, when I am in the presence of those who don't believe or have worldly habits, I remember that I was once like them. I surely have nothing to laud over them. But I do have a Savior to offer them that can make them happier and more content.

This certainly didn't come immediately for me. At first my attitude was, well, if I can change anyone can, and should! It took good, solid biblical teaching and time, and now I understand that the one thing that I lacked and needed was love. The love of the Lord is really all they need from me. If they want to hear it, I'll tell them what He's done in my life. But, what they do is not my business. It's God's business.  I am to love them, no matter what, enemies and friends.

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed to be seen with people that are "different". I am not afraid to love the unlovable and the unkind. I would not be afraid nor ashamed to attend a party if my old friend invited me, though I admit that I would need a very good reason to go. I am secure in the knowledge of who I am and Whose I am, and as long as I know this, I am safe in His arms.

                              I may not like what they do, but I even have to love these guys.