Is There No Shame?

Mic. 2:6   Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.

         In Micah, the prophets were told not to speak because the people did not want to feel shame. We live in a similar day. Shame is a very real force. It is hard to squelch. Even if you convince yourself that there is nothing to be ashamed about, there yet remains the gnawing reality of the shamefulness of sin.

         Shame is often a helpful emotion when there are real sins that need a real answer. But our non-Christian culture tells us to bury shame so that we can do whatever feels good. And anyone who speaks up and says, “You ought to be ashamed!” is shouted down as judgmental, insensitive, bigoted or intolerant. But unless one feels shame there is no way to deal with the also very real, guilt.

         We are guilty and shame makes us feel the weight. And that weight drives us to our knees seeking forgiveness. And only when we repent, confessing our sins can we know the incredible lightness of forgiveness. There is no shame in that!