Why are we ashamed of Jesus?

We romanticize the idea of ourselves exhibiting a strong and courageous faith, ready and willing to defend all that we stand for at any moment.

Unfortunately, our faith is all too often defined by “Apostle Peter” moments – falling short before the rooster crows.

Earlier this summer I overheard someone say the most vile and disgusting thing about Jesus I could have ever imagined. His words were shocking. I was appalled. I wanted to say something, I wanted to tell him his words were hurtful and inappropriate – but lockjaw set in. Under intense social pressure I kept silent.

Should I have said something, or would a comment have furthered his belief that Christians are self-righteous and judgmental? I was convinced that saying nothing was the right call.

The next day a daily devotional gave me one of those “spiritual black eyes” preachers often talk about. It quoted Romans 1:16, in which the Apostle Paul discusses defending the faith: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

In Romans 1:8, Paul applauds Christians in Rome, whose faith was “being reported all over the world.” Rome was regarded as the epicenter of the pagan world, yet its Christians were hailed as faithful servants.

Then in 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul, imprisoned for his faith, reminds his friend Timothy that he should not be ashamed of Jesus or those who proclaim his name: “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”

I don’t want to be ashamed of Jesus. But am I? Are we ashamed of Jesus? Is it cliché to be a Christian?

After all, I don’t think Paul would say the faith of our nation is echoing throughout the globe. I know he wouldn’t say I’m proclaiming my faith to the masses.

Paul defended his faith to the point of incarceration – and ultimately death. We often stop at the point of inconvenience.