Fellowship of the Unashamed

The following confession of an African Christian was found among his papers after he was martyred. When people are willing to die for what they believe, they will also be willing to live for what they believe. Rarely would any of us be called upon to die for our faith in Jesus Christ. But until we are willing to die for Him, we will never fully live for Him. The true martyr is the one who believes his testimony is more powerful than his safety, and his faith more important than his life.

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

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 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 His 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.