When I was a boy in elementary school I was an honor student. But the day came as I got a little older and distracted by sports and other fun things outdoor related that I slacked ever so slightly in my effort and actually got a C in one subject on my report card. I was embarrassed without anyone saying anything at all. But the principal thought it merited public attention. I was sitting in class when the loud speaker for announcements came on and to my surprise he read my report card to the whole school and then ended by saying I hope Tim will bring that C back up on the next report card. I was devastated and the kids, although shocked themselves, did not waste that opportunity to get at me.

When I came home I told my parents and my dad was furious. The next day I was in class and the speaker came on again. I was nervous wondering if I would be targeted again. I was, only this time the principle was making an apology and acknowledging the his actions were way out of line. I learned later that my dad had paid him a visit and was even in his office while he was making the announcement. Talk about taking the ammo away from the kids who just one day before were really laying into me. All of a sudden my shame turned to victory. I knew my dad had my back.

I share that to say there is an enemy out there who uses shame to imprison people in their soul. But if you give your shame to Jesus and make the confession that the blood of Jesus took care of it, that you belong to Jesus and you do not let yourself get all caught up in caring about what this world thinks, you will walk in a victory most never realize. You see God as your Father has your back and He is not shaming you to get you to perform for Him. He is loving you to set you free so you can be who He say you are and live in the abundance of life Jesus died to give to you. So tell shame to take a hike and embrace the love of God for you and smile through the momentary embarrassment of whatever it was that sought to shame you in the first place. Learn, grow and go be a blessing on the heels of whatever that was knowing your sins have been paid for past, present and future in Jesus. I promise you’ll have a much better day as a result.