Shame on Shame

Journey to the Celestial City #47. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, listening to Faithful's pilgrimage story yet further still. Having turned aside from the one called Discontent, Faithful tells of meeting another by the name of: Shame. Shame speaks of minding religion, cultivating a tender conscience, responding contritely to a sermon, asking a neighbor for forgiveness, making restitution, etc. But according to Shame, they're all embarrassments to conduct one's life in such a manner. Men ought not submit to such humiliations - that is, real men of the world. And why should they? It only gives invitation to ridicule. To which Faithful responds with blushing. But then his mind is quickened to the following: "that that which is highly esteemed among men, is had in abomination with God," that "they that make themselves fools for the kingdom of heaven are wisest," and "that the poor man that loveth Christ is richer than the greatest man in the world that hates Him." These reflections help Faithful to cast shame on Shame. And to follow Jesus is to bear His reproach - and "proudly." Is it not? And we aren't trying to "save face" with the world. Or are we? "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." (Romans 1:12ab) "'Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'" (Matthew 5:11-12) More to come in the next blog post. Check back soon. (To read this entire blog post series, scroll down to "Pilgrim's Progress Series" in the left sidebar.) pp 64-66