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Rising above guilt and shame (2)
'WHO SHALL BRING ANY CHARGE AGAINST GOD'S ELECT?' ROMANS 8:33
Shame is one of the shady weapons satan will try to use against us. It can hold us back, hold us down and keep our eyes fixed on our feet. People can even use it to make us feel shame when we should be proud not embarrassed! The 'shame' of 'being a geek' can make you get into drink or drugs. The 'shame' of being a virgin can make you mess up big style. The 'shame' of being a Christian can make you quit God for good.
Being ashamed of who you are is like being constantly punished, except you're doing it to yourself! Even when you think you've managed to hide your thoughts, imaginations, attitudes and feelings, they come out in other ways. For example, shame-based people are easily offended, so others learn to walk on eggshells when they're around them. They are sometimes hard to confront and correct because they feel so bad about themselves that they hate to have anybody else highlight areas that need improvement.
But God says only fools hate correction (see Proverbs15:5). When you're in right relationship with God you can accept instruction without becoming defensive. Paul says, 'Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?' Note the word 'elect:' God is voting for you (like in an election!). You're 'in.' Who can put you out?
Nobody! God's Word says you are forgiven; your guilt and shame are gone, so stop saying how you feel and start talking about what you know! Above all, 'Keep Your eyes on Jesus...When you find yourself flagging' (Hebrews 12:2-3 TM). Make His unchanging opinion of you, your source of confidence and self-worth!
written by Bob Gass
'WHO SHALL BRING ANY CHARGE AGAINST GOD'S ELECT?' ROMANS 8:33
Shame is one of the shady weapons satan will try to use against us. It can hold us back, hold us down and keep our eyes fixed on our feet. People can even use it to make us feel shame when we should be proud not embarrassed! The 'shame' of 'being a geek' can make you get into drink or drugs. The 'shame' of being a virgin can make you mess up big style. The 'shame' of being a Christian can make you quit God for good.
Being ashamed of who you are is like being constantly punished, except you're doing it to yourself! Even when you think you've managed to hide your thoughts, imaginations, attitudes and feelings, they come out in other ways. For example, shame-based people are easily offended, so others learn to walk on eggshells when they're around them. They are sometimes hard to confront and correct because they feel so bad about themselves that they hate to have anybody else highlight areas that need improvement.
But God says only fools hate correction (see Proverbs15:5). When you're in right relationship with God you can accept instruction without becoming defensive. Paul says, 'Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?' Note the word 'elect:' God is voting for you (like in an election!). You're 'in.' Who can put you out?
Nobody! God's Word says you are forgiven; your guilt and shame are gone, so stop saying how you feel and start talking about what you know! Above all, 'Keep Your eyes on Jesus...When you find yourself flagging' (Hebrews 12:2-3 TM). Make His unchanging opinion of you, your source of confidence and self-worth!
written by Bob Gass
