Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38).

_Hebrews 2:11 describes our oneness with Jesus Christ, for which reason He isn’t ashamed to call us “brethren”— that is, His brothers and sisters. Paul, like the Lord Jesus, wasn’t ashamed of His identity with God’s people either. In Acts 20:32 for example, he called the believers in the Church at Ephesus “brethren,” which refers to the brotherhood; fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Being born of the Spirit, we’re heirs of

God, and joint-heirs with Christ.

Sadly, some Christians are ashamed to be identified with other believers. When you refer to them as brother or sister so and so, they quickly rebuff it and say, “Just call me by name; don’t add “brother” or “sister” to it.” Never be that way. Your association with Jesus Christ and His Church is the greatest, most honourable and inspiring identity you could ever have. Celebrate it at every opportunity. Seize every moment to glorify Jesus Christ.

Recall the priceless words of the Lord Jesus in our opening verse. If you’re ashamed to let the world—your friends, family members, colleagues, etc—know that you’re born again, and that you’re a member of the household of faith, the Master also will be ashamed to acknowledge you before the Father and the angels.

Irrespective of anyone’s perception of Christianity, we have the most dignified identity; don’t take it lightly! What could be more sublime than being an associate of the God-kind? Always be excited that you’re a Christian. Be unapologetic in declaring your unwavering allegiance to Christ, His Church and other believers. Nothing, and no one should ever make you dissociate yourself from Christ or repudiate your oneness with Him! Even the fiercest threats or persecution from the adversary shouldn’t get you to cower.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the faith and strength in my inner man, and the courage to be unapologetic in professing my oneness with you, and association with other believers. I’m glad to be in Christ, and belong in the household of God. Nothing in this world could be more sublime than being an associate of the God-kind! Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 1:16

Luke 12:8-9