Believers can Shake Off the Shame

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

In a story titled “ Stop Shaming Runners Who Set PRs on Downhill Courses” published earlier this week, the writer explained why running downhill courses aren’t always easier to run, contrary to popular opinion. I find downhill races to actually require more strategy and specific training than flat races, and it becomes about rising to the challenge. When you’re running downhill, your muscles lengthen as they contract to control your descent, and that eccentric contraction is more stressful on your muscles than running on level terrain. If you’re not prepared for how the slope amplifies your ground reaction forces with each step, soreness could sideline you mid-race. The writer went on to say “At the end of the day, 13.1 or 26.2 miles is still 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Whether you’re climbing hills, cruising along flat terrain, or descending steep, your cardiovascular fitness, energy systems, and mental toughness all get tested.… Telling another runner their PR doesn’t count or that they’re cheating by running a downhill course is just another form of pace-shaming and gate-keeping the running community doesn’t need.”

And, you know, the running world isn’t the only place where shaming isn’t welcome. It has no place in the life of a new believer either. You see, the person who has genuinely turned from their old ways and accepted Jesus as their Savior has had their sins forgiven as far as the east is from the west. And while the world might continue to try and inflict painful feelings of humiliation on them because of their past wrong or foolish behavior, the Bible is very clear that “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Now that doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will be free from the consequences of their sin, but it does mean that they shouldn’t carry around the shame associated with it—and they shouldn’t allow anyone else to shame them for it either. 

So if you’re being shamed for your old life, stand up for yourself my friend—and boldly declare, “I belong to Jesus now. I am a new creation! The person I once was is no longer the person I am. Furthermore, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Jesus which means I am now free from shame and guilt.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that everyone who has accepted You as their Savior is made new and has no reason to hold onto the shame of what they did in their old lives. Help us to understand this Lord that we might live in the fullness of the new life You have given us, free from the shame of our past. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!