Shall we continue to be ashamed of Christ this year?

Tue, Jan 31. 2012

Editor: The month of January, 2012 does not only mark the commencement of a new calendar year, but also a closer step which time has made to the coming of Yahshua (Jesus) Christ.

In light of this, there exists a greater demand for us as a Vincentian family to correct our wrong habits and prepare our characters for the precious city above.{{more}} Indeed, our individual views of the life of Christ must be revolutionized to the high biblical standards.

“I think of Christ highly,” some may quickly respond: but sadly these words do not give genuine coverage of their daily experience in this world. Instead, their lives reflect a low value for the word of God and a special shame to associate themselves with the righteous example that was left by Christ. The youth, especially, hold on to their sins and withdraw themselves from bearing the fruits of godliness. The middle-aged and the elderly are not all innocent of refusing to live out Christ daily and speaking out against the evils of society. Where is the shame in following the instructions of Yahweh (God)?

Paul boldly stated “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation…….”- Rom 1:16. This life statement was driven by the love of God which attended the sufferings of Christ for us. Indeed, Yahshua left his majesty in heaven and “….took on him the seed of Abraham”-Heb. 2:16 in order to be identified with humans. He saw no shame in being mocked, beaten and driven to Calvary on weakened knees for our sakes.

Certainly, as Isaiah prophesied, “he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities ……”-Isaiah 53:5. Shall we then continue to have an outlook of scorn, disinterest and unconcern toward the experience of the one who cares so much for us?

For this new calendar year, Vincentians, sincerely repent of your sins, believe in the gospel and live a more committed Christian experience. Put behind of you the past failures and move forward with the strength of Christ which is only found in salvation. Yahweh (God) will work out a way for you in relation to your hardships (troubles), as difficult as it may seem, if you practice all of his commandments daily. Read your bibles every day, pray very often and let the experiential shame of Christ which hinders spiritual progress go. Yahshua Christ has announced clearly “for whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words of him shall the son of man be ashamed when he shall come in his own glory and in his Father’s and of the holy angels”- Luke 9:26.

Mbeki Swift
mbekiswift@hotmail.com