I
recently heard a sermon by Professor Ken Bluemel that he titled “Shame Free
Zone”. He applied it to Epic Bible
College, but it inspired me to create shame free zones in other areas of my
life. I decided to create a shame free
zone in my marriage, my parenting, and my ministry. This is not an easy task to do though,
because we have an enemy of our soul who comes to steal our peace, destroy our
joy, and kill our courage by putting shame and guilt on us.
Have you ever heard the phrase
“Shame on you”? It is my opinion that
this phrase is a tool of the Devil to discourage and hinder believers in their
walk with God. The Bible tells us in
Proverbs 18:21 the tongue has the power of life and death – and this phrase
definitely does not give life! So, I
made it a rule in my life to never speak this phrase to anyone, including
myself! I also decided to apply Eph.
4:29 to all those areas mentioned above – and to myself. In this scripture we are instructed to “Let
no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for
building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who
listen.”
Have you ever listened, I mean really
listened to your “self talk” that goes through your mind when you make a
mistake or forget something? When I
started listening to myself, I discovered that I was my worst enemy. I found myself stuck in a downward spiral of
defeat and discouragement, wondering where my peace and joy went. But, as God gave me knowledge and
understanding of His word, I was able to break free from shame and
self-condemnation. Yes, I have to fight
to stay in a “Shame Free Zone” but it is so worth the battle!
One of the scripture promises
God has given me is found in John 10:10.
God promises me that even though the thief (Satan, our enemy) comes to
steal, kill and destroy – He has come to give me life -and life more
abundantly! You too can have life abundantly
and prosper in a “Shame Free Zone!”
Speaking
life and blessings to you,
Michelle
McDermott
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