Have You No Shame?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 New American Standard Bible

Have you ever done something you wish you hadn’t? There are things every day we wish we didn’t do or say. Unfortunately the internet has increased our awareness of this by a large percentage. You can boldly shout “No regrets!” but when your foolishness is plastered across Facebook and beyond who can return your dignity? You certainly will not find it in the same place that “shaming” has become a fad.

The world has always been a place where we are encouraged to do the wrong thing and then are immediately shamed for doing it. This is a tactic of Satan’s from long ago. He tempts us to sin and then the moment we give in he turns and accuses us before God. Now it has become an overt part of society. Sometimes it’s done in a silly way, such as having a pet hold a sign declaring their indiscretion and posting it online. Other times it becomes as drastic as cyberbullying, pushing people towards depression and even suicide. This is the way of the world.

Praise God that this is not His way! When God convicts us of our sin it is not for the purpose of leading us to a place of shame and death.  Our repentance in Christ is without regret! We acknowledge our wrong and turn from it so that we live a life of abundance and assurance. We are forgiven. We have salvation. We stand before God without shame as the Accuser points at us and shouts out each and every sin we’ve done. Christ then answers that our sins are forgiven and He has removed them far from us. He has paid the price once and for all.

Who can return your dignity? Christ does. He knows your weaknesses and pours out His love and healing on you. He restores you and seats you in a place of honor. No more shame, no regrets.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado