Grandmas are great for many reasons (especially their marvelous ability to bake pies that would make Willy Wonka proud), but they all share one thing in common: their ability to embarrass their grandchildren. My grandmother is not generally known for her reserved, introverted nature. She is famous for coming to my grandfather with 3 or 4 women she met in the airport bathroom who need his spiritual council. She has never met a stranger, and is constantly engaging in conversation with anyone who will listen (well, listening isn’t even required!).
When my grandma visited me at work one day I felt a little uneasy. She walked through the doors and memories of purple sweaters given as Christmas gifts flashed before my eyes. I looked for a place to hide, but the lunch rush had just started and a crowd was forming behind her. With a big smile she called to me and waved, informing all of her new friends in line that I was her oldest grandson, whom she is very proud of. In horror I suddenly realized she didn’t want anything to eat, but had come to take a picture of her grandson at his first job! Ages seemed to pass as my grandma fumbled with her new digital camera (which, apparently, nobody had taught her how to use!). The worst part wasn’t even the picture, but the comments I got from every single person who came behind her!
Have you ever found yourself embarrassed about your faith? Have you been afraid that people will find out you’re a Christian? After all, Christians are not known for receiving the warmest hospitality. History is filled with stories of martyrs who died proclaiming their faith, yet I often find myself worried what others will think of me. Although the world is free to push their philosophies in your face (including the “un-biased” views of atheist university professors), it is considered “pushy” or “preachy” to take a stand for Jesus. While we should never force our views on other people, the Bible calls us to speak up! Jesus said, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this…generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (1 Peter 8:38) If there is one day we won’t want to be ashamed of following Christ it will be on the day of His return. All other reasons for denying Him will fade away in the glory of His second coming. And why should we ever be ashamed of the one who gave His life for us?
As embarrassing as it was to have my grandma show up that day, I realize now how much she loves me and how often she has sacrificed for me over the years. I still have a copy of that picture she took, and I keep it as a constant reminder of how much she loves me. We have a God who loves us infinitely more. Are we ashamed of Him?
Mike Blackaby is 25 years old and is the college and young adult pastor at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, GA. Mike loves to play music, loves to snowboard, play hockey, and cheers for the Colorado Avalanche. He is terrified of spiders, but loves reading fantasy novels, watching movies, taking road trips, building camp fires, and will do any roller coaster if someone goes with him. You can contact him via Facebook.