”According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
Philippians 1:20
There is a particular phrase in a song we often sing: “No turning back.” It originates from a man in India who, facing death, refused to renounce Christ. Despite a furious village chief and the loss of his family, his faith remained unshaken as he declared, “I have decided to follow Jesus — no turning back.” Even in his death, Christ was magnified in his body.
That man’s testimony echoes Paul’s bold declaration in our opening verse. Paul’s hope was not to escape pain or shame, but that in every situation whether life or death, Christ would be glorified through him. True discipleship means living in such a way that no circumstance can silence your witness.
The world will try to make you ashamed of your faith. It will mock your devotion, question your convictions, and tempt you to blend in. But the man who has truly seen the light of Christ cannot hide it for fear of men. Shame loses its voice where Christ reigns supreme.
Charge: Beloved, in Christ, there is no shame. There is only glory, even in suffering.
Further Study: Psalm 25:2-3, 34:5; Isaiah 50:7; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Peter 4:16.
