April 25, 2013
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So Ashamed
Back when I was a silly, selfish teenager, I remember my Daddy taking me to town. I really needed (I was convinced!) a new pair of shoes, and I had been pestering my poor father for weeks to take me into the city to shop for some.I remember him coming into the house and asking me if I was ready to go, because he had some time to spare. He was wearing his dirty work clothes with sawdust in the cuffs of his pants, and he smelled.... like a man who had been working hard. His hat was stained with sweat, but his eyes were soft and loving.
Although I didn't like it that he didn't look nicer, I did not say anything about his clothes. I just grabbed my stuff and slunk out to the car. When we got downtown, I either walked far in front of him, or lingered far behind. I was ashamed for others to see me with him. I hoped fervently I wouldn't run into any of my friends. Now as I remember that day, I am ashamed that I was ashamed. My Dad was a good, hardworking man. He had made time in his busy day to take me shoe shopping. Instead of being grateful, I was embarrassed. (It's one of those moments you wish you could have a "do over" for.)
I don't know if he was aware of my bad attitude. He never said anything. In fact, he was really, really quiet. I think I probably hurt him that day. I am so sorry for it.
(Luke 9:26 NLT) If anyone is ashamed of Me and My message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in His glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.
This verse makes me stop and think. Have I ever been ashamed to tell others I know Jesus? Have I ever kept my Christianity safely hidden in the background? Have I ever been embarrassed to invite someone to church? Have I ever not spoken up when I knew something was not right? Am I making Jesus feel like I made my Daddy feel that day so long ago?
Comments (14)
I never want to be ashamed of my Jesus.
Good, challenging thoughts.
This makes me remember my brother as a Teenager, making sure to walk far ahead or lag far behind when he went shopping Downtown with Mom and me.
It was annoying and funny at the same time!
I really can't identify with this one but I can understand it.
I can't really understand why someone would not share their faith.
I guess it could happen but I'm always glad to share my personal experience.
I think all of us at some stage of our lives would like to have do-overs.
I am still ashamed to go out in public with my father.
But that doesn't stop me. I just dress sloppier and dirtier than him and try to embarass him even more than he embarasses me. It is even more fun when mom goes along!
I remember on one boy scout trip our middle son was emarassed to be wearing a scout uniform. We stopped at a McDonalds in Virginia for lunch with 20 or so scouts and 1/2 a dozen parents all in uniform. He put on his jacket and zipped it up all the way so no one could see he was a boy scout. It was 70 degrees out and sunny. I looked at him and laughed. No one would possibly figure out that he was a boy scout now.
nice post
I can't remember being ashamed of my parents but I can understand your feelings. It's important for us to never be ashamed of our Savior or of following Abba.
I think most of us wish we could do over some of our younger years ~ thank God for His grace and mercy and His bringing us to repentance for our failings ~ onward and upward ~
Your father sounds like a gem. I like the connection you made between the story about him and your point about Jesus.
Good Morning, Pastor Mae,
Good and serious teaching this morning. My wife is very assertive in sharing her faith and it makes me nervous sometimes. lol I guess I have a shame factor in my makeup--not nice.
frank
It is natural for a child to be embarrassed of a parent,
especially when they are still immature and growing in their wisdom.
I need many do overs, I hope I am never that ashamed to share my love for Jesus?