Peach-Video Chat

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

No Shame

We have all done things we regret. That negative feeling of regret is an important part of not repeating those things which cause us shame. The problem we have lies in the fact that our conscience is not a perfect guide. Therefore, we may not regret actions which are truly shameful.

Jeremiah describes that situation in Israel. “Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush” (Jer. 6:15). Zephaniah says, “Every morning He brings His justice to light; He does not fail. But the unjust knows no shame” (Zeph. 3:5). That is how Saul of Tarsus was able to persecute the church in all good conscience (cf. Acts 23:1). He thought he was doing God’s will even though he was not.

Ezra was ashamed of his nation because of their rebellion against God, “for our iniquities have risen above our heads, and our guilt has grown even to the heavens” (Ezra 9:6). His plea was for a national repentance in order to reconcile Israel with God. Sin which was once reserved for the shadows because of shame, has risen to special status. In the name of tolerance, our nation promotes, exalts, and even celebrates the flaunting of sin. When there is no regret, there is little hope for repentance.

Those who stand condemned before God and feel a certain pride in their rebellion have no hope if they retain that attitude. II Tim. 4:2 commands those who know the way of the Lord to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” We must be dedicated to teaching the word, so that all may know the way of grace and salvation.

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

Prov. 14:12 is a disturbing verse. I believe God inspired these words in order to shake us up, at least a little: “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Much of the time our own thoughts seem exactly right. Our plans, our logic, our hopes and dreams, even our thinking patterns have the feeling of correctness within ourselves. Yet, God says, the very thoughts which we approve could be dangerously wrong. Our thoughts can lead us in the way of death.

Of course, that does not automatically condemn a way which seems right to us. It seems right to love our families, to worship God, to work hard and be responsible people. All of these and more are approved by God and lead us in the way of life. Our challenge is that it is difficult for us to sift out those ways which lead us away from God’s purpose. Titus 3:3 says, “For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures.” Sin and sinful thinking trick us into believing we are just and justified in what we do.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” The standard of human wisdom and personal thought is not powerful enough to direct our steps in the way of eternal life. We need God’s wisdom and God’s word and God’s will to lead us down that narrow path which leads to life.