Romans 1: 16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
I think this is a really powerful scripture because Paul bears his testimony about the appropriateness of the gospel for all persons. In high school, I think that I often felt "ashamed" of the gospel - and I don't mean embarrassed of my beliefs, but I mean that I didn't feel comfortable expressing all of my beliefs to other awkward seventeen year-olds, because I didn't think that my way of life was necessarily the best way of life for them. I've since matured (I hope!) and I really have a testimony that the power of the gospel can enrich all lives.
In M. Russell Ballard's talk "The Truth Shall Go Forth," I really think he captures this spirit of missionary work: We should be preaching to all nations, all peoples, and M. Russell Ballard testifies that "conversion [will] happen in many lands despite every adversarial attempt to thwart the Lord’s work or discourage the Lord’s workers."
I really want to try and be more like the apostle Paul in sharing my testimony with those around me.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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2 comments:
I would have to agree with this statement. There were a lot of times growing up that I should have opened my mouth and expressed my beliefs to those around me. I have beaten myself up with “what ifs,” or “I should have.” The gospel is right for everyone but each person needs to receive it in their own way. Christ simply asked for men to follow him. Never did he compel them to follow. I hope that I will always express my feels and bear my testimony. That is our job as Latter Day Saints.
This is a long comment, but I love this scripture and always connect it with this poem. I'm not sure who wrote it, but here it is:
I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed."
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until Heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.
My colors will be clear.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel.”-- Romans 1:16
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