Living and Dying Unashamed

By Scott Armstrong

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith”” (Romans 1:16-17).

I still remember the service.  Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, was talking about his daughter. Rachel was the first one who was killed at Columbine High School in Columbine, Colorado the morning of April 20, 1999. Two young gunmen asked her if she believed in God and she answered yes as she stared into the barrel of a gun. The next instant she was gone.

The story of Rachel’s death was moving.  Yet, the thing that riveted the multitude of teens and adults in attendance for that service was not the details of her death.  Rather, we were awestruck by her life.  Darrell told us of her daily spending time in devotions.  We learned that she prayed nearly every day that she would be used by God in her school and community.  She reached out to the unpopular kids at school, even befriending and praying for one of her assassins weeks before her death.  The way she died was moving.  But the way Rachel Scott lived her life was what really inspired all of us.

In the weeks after hearing Darrell Scott share the testimony of his teenage daughter, I was reminded of many scriptures.  One of them we read just now.  The first phrase echoes in my mind, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.”  Why is living unashamed so important? Because one life unashamed of the gospel is so powerful it can actually convince others to believe in Christ and be saved!  Verse 16 tells us so and Rachel Scott’s life proves it is true.  The gospel working in her life was (and still is) powerful enough to change other’s lives!

“I am not ashamed of the gospel.”  Can you honestly say that from the depth of your heart? How do you act at school, at home, with your family and friends and even enemies? Are you living your life unashamed? Is the power of the gospel evident in your life? In the next few minutes, renew your commitment to God by praying and seeking his face.  Whatever has happened in the past, tell him that you want to live your life for him, unashamed of the gospel.  Thank him for doing the same for you.