Command 28 : Deny Yourself | Day 195

Do Not Be Ashamed of Jesus!

A hotel owner learned that a friend was near death, so he visited him and told him about the eternal life that Jesus offers. Soon after, the hotel owner was invited to become a member of the board of directors of his hotel chain. He told the members of the board how honored he was to be offered such a position but that he probably would not qualify for three reasons. First, he was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, his family was a greater priority to him than his hotel; and third, he based every decision on the principles of Scripture.

The board replied, "We have discussed these issues, and it is because of them that we want you to be a member of the board." This man later became vice president of one of the largest hotel chains in the United States. How did these opportunities come about? The friend to whom he had witnessed was a member of the board; before he died he had strongly recommended that this Christian man take over his position.

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:6).

Many have asked me why God has not shown them His will for their lives. One possible answer is that they have not acknowledged Christ in all their ways. This would include the following actions:

• Being a living example of Christ's way of life
• Taking advantage of opportunities to tell others about Jesus
• Thanking God for your meal in a public place, such as a restaurant
• Giving a ready answer when people question your faith
• Boldly praying in the name of Jesus before groups
• Having a testimony prepared to share what God is doing in your life
• Expressing grief when others misuse Jesus' name

Mark 8:38 has always motivated me to put the fear of man in proper perspective. “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

"We fear men so much, because we fear God so little."—William Gurnall

Before we condemn Peter for denying that he ever knew Jesus, judge the fearful Pharisees for being secret believers, or question the motives of Nicodemus for coming to Jesus by night, let's ask ourselves how we have given public evidence that we are not ashamed of Jesus but rather that we are delighted with Him and cannot help but boldly speak about Him.