Thoughts on 2 Timothy 1:8-18
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…”
2 Timothy 1:8a ESV
My environment / circles has changed a lot since the time I became a Christian, 15 or so years ago.
Back then, I remember, the struggle to ‘not be ashamed’ was real. Being labeled as ‘born-again’ meant you were kinda weird – raising your hand and closing your eyes while singing worship songs in church – that kind of thing.
People probably still think we’re weird.. but is it just me or is being a Christian kinda cool now? It feels like it, and that’s not a bad thing.
So, as much as being ‘ashamed’ is concerned, I don’t feel that way so much anymore. Maybe it’s the environment, maybe it’s how God has changed me over the years.
I’m publicly blogging my Quiet Time journal and posting Christian ‘stuff’ in social media – it doesn’t get more ‘unashamed’ than that.
But.. to be honest.. it feels like something is missing..
“…nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,”
2 Timothy 1:8b ESV
“But share in suffering for the gospel…” My Christianity now is easy, comfortable. Sure there have been difficult decisions, busyness with ministries, and trials/temptations of many kinds. But ‘suffering’? Hardly.
So I need to relook my definition of ‘not be ashamed’, it seems it’s not just about a public declaration of my faith. There’s something much more..
… and it is about being proactive. Not just reactive, not passive. It is talking about God, about Jesus, regularly in my circles.. especially my non-Christian circles.
Don’t wait for them to ask – which is what I usually just hope for: living a ‘good’ life so that they will ask about my faith – Say! Tell!
Do you feel a bit embarrassed now, thinking about it? Good.