WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17
“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways.”
2 Corinthians 4:2 ESV
WHEN LIFE HAPPENS: DON’T GO BACK
Professor George Palmer of Harvard once told the story of a boy lying in bed until very late in the morning. His mother called to him and asked, “Aren’t you ashamed to be lying here so late in the morning?” He replied, “Yes, mother, I am ashamed, but I would rather be ashamed than get up.”
Shame can be debilitating. In 2 Corinthians, Paul said even though things had gotten difficult, “we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways.” “Disgraceful” can also be translated “hidden things of shame.” “Renounce” is literally, “bid farewell to.” Paul had said goodbye to the old shameful ways of living and wasn’t going back even though life was tough. He had gotten out of the bed of shame and wasn’t going back.
When living the Christian life becomes difficult it might be tempting for us to go back to our old way of living. Don’t go back. It is so much better to live in the light and without shame. Thank God that He has forgiven you of your past failures and thank Him for how far He has brought you. If there are still shameful and hidden ways in your life, confess them to God, ask for forgiveness and ask for the power to change. Get out of bed today and walk in grace and the new life God has given you.
