What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!
Romans 6:21 NIV
Ashamed
Dementia is a growing concern in Canada, as the Baby Boomers age. In 2020, 597,000 Canadians were living with dementia – the number of cases is expected to rise to 955,900 by 2030. The current cost to the Canadian economy and healthcare system is over $10.4 billion. In a recent survey, 56% of Canadians said they were concerned about being affected by Alzheimer disease and 46% of Canadians said they would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia.
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Every single human being has something in the past for which they are ashamed. It might be something particularly egregious, like having been found guilty of a felony and spent time in prison. It is more likely it is breaking a promise, lying, cheating, losing your temper or any one of hundred things that embarrassed you and damaged a relationship. Many cultures around the world are known as honour/shame cultures and the worst sin is bringing shame to your life or that of your family. Whatever the action that led to the shame, it is life sapping and has deadly eternal consequences. Paul the apostle speaks to this in Romans 6:21: “What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!” We are by nature sinful. Our sin leads to shame and shame leads to death. Jesus understood this and came to remove the sin and shame. He would tell His followers that He had come to bring abundant life. He does so by cleansing us from our sin and shame. There is no benefit from those things that shame us. But there is great benefit in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Trust Him to remove your shame.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley