I Am Not Ashamed

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33).

Most parents — homeschooling or not — have experienced a time when their children were embarrassed to be with them. The sting of this rejection can hurt our feelings, but if we are to succeed as homeschooling parents, we must move beyond our feelings. We must address the issue of why our child is embarrassed and not become defensive or retaliatory in our response.

The apostle Peter had to suffer the consequences of a broken heart and a guilty conscience when he feared being associated with Christ. Three times he blatantly rejected the accusations that he was one of Christ's disciples. The rooster's crow echoed in his ears as he ran away in shame saying, "I know not this man of whom ye speak" (Mark 14:71).

How about you? Are you embarrassed and afraid to say you are a child of God in certain groups of people? Do you sheepishly keep silent when you should speak up for Christ? Do you fearfully restrain from sharing the Gospel message that may bring salvation to someone who is lost? Don't let Satan deceive you into denying Christ because of embarrassment or fear. The light of Christ needs to be shining brightly in your life and not dimmed by denying your Lord. May you be as bold as the apostle Paul who proclaimed, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16a).

Heavenly Father, forgive me for letting Satan rob me of the greatest privilege I have — saying I am Your child. Help me today to stand up for You and Your Word. I love You, Lord. Let me live today boldly proclaiming You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Son's name, Amen.