Introduction
As Christians, our faith in Jesus Christ is a vital part of our daily lives. However, at times, we may feel ashamed of our beliefs, especially in a world where secularism and atheism seem to be prevalent. The Fellowship of the Unashamed serves as a reminder that we should stand firm in our faith and never be ashamed of the Gospel.
The Origin of the Fellowship of the Unashamed
The Fellowship of the Unashamed is not an organization or a denomination. It is a declaration of faith that originated at the Youth for Christ rally held in Detroit in 1946. A group of young people, including a young man named Joe, stood up and declared that they were unashamed of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Joe’s testimony inspired a poem that has been widely circulated and adapted over the years, becoming a rallying cry for Christians all over the world.
The Words of the Fellowship of the Unashamed
“I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. 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, tame visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifices, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He 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 banner will be clear!”
What the Fellowship of the Unashamed Means for Christians Today
The Fellowship of the Unashamed reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity. As Christians, we are called to be salt and light in the world, to share the love of Christ with those around us.
However, this can be challenging in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. We may face ridicule, discrimination, and even persecution for our beliefs. But the Fellowship of the Unashamed reminds us that we have the Holy Spirit power to overcome these challenges and stand firm in our faith.
The words of the Fellowship of the Unashamed also challenge us to live our lives in a way that honors God. We are called to live by faith, to lean on His presence, and to walk by patience. We are called to be diligent in our work for the cause of Christ, not compromising our beliefs, but always staying true to what we know is right.
Conclusion
The Fellowship of the Unashamed is a powerful reminder for Christians to stand firm in their faith and never be ashamed of the Gospel. It challenges us to live our lives in a way that honors God, always striving to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. May we be inspired by these words to live boldly and unashamedly for Christ.