No Shame – Big Gain
Theology of Shame – Part 1
Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:1-10
Key Verse: 1 John 3:6
No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
Shame comes to those who have not hardened their hearts so badly that they don’t feel any guilt or shame over bad behavior. Most people, believers and unbelievers, can experience guilt and shame when they do something sinful. There is only one lasting answer to shame and that is a life centered in Jesus. As we walk faithfully with Him, we have big gains and no shame. Asking Jesus into our lives means that we have the Holy Spirit inside us to help us walk worthy.
Our scripture for today reminds us that “everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” That simply means we do everything we know to do to keep our minds and lives free from sin. The Apostle Paul describes this daily battle this way: “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). This effort on our part is not about earning our salvation but about responding to God’s grace and mercy with deep gratitude; wanting to walk worthy of such love!
As we described in yesterday’s devotional, it is not possible that we humans perform the desires of our hearts perfectly; we do fail. Our Father sees the intent of our minds, knows the level of effort we give to honor Him with our obedience. As Apostle Peter wrote: “Make every effort to add to your faith…,” let’s give God our best efforts! (Continued)
Father, I will work hard to resist the devil and glorify you in my life today. In Jesus’ name, amen.