Shame

Have you wondered why the apostles turned their backs on Jesus and denied knowing him in his greatest hour of need? Once called by him, they spent most of their time following Jesus. They ate with him, traveled with him, conversed with him, and watched him perform miracle after miracle after miracle. Yet, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times!

One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked,
“Did I not see you in the garden with him?” ²⁷ Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.
John 18:26-27

Every time I read this passage and come to the part where the rooster crows , I am filled with shame – shame for Peter and for myself. I realize no matter how much I would like to think I wouldn’t turn my back on Jesus, I know I am no better than Peter. If a close companion of Christ, someone who knew him personally and witnessed his miracles, felt the need to deny Jesus, how much more so would I?

Growing up, there were times when I watched the “cool kids” pick on someone they deemed a “dork.” I wanted to step in and tell them to stop being mean; instead I chose to keep my mouth shut. And like Peter, I felt shame. As a Christian, it shouldn’t matter if I’m nervous or afraid about doing the right thing, I should do it anyway. I know the Holy Spirit is there to hold me up. I need to trust in him and not myself.

No, oh people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

It’s not always easy though. As I tell my son, often as a reminder to myself, do the right thing and you’ll feel right. Do what feels ‘right’ or ‘good’ and you may find you are instead, ashamed of your actions.

Just for today, don’t worry about what others will think. When the opportunity arises, do the right thing and do it in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior!

Have a blessed day!

– Paula –

Featured Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay