For the longest time I was ashamed of my faith. At youth group, it was easier to exercise my faith... but in society? Not so much. In the world, it is one thing to be a believe that there is a God. On the other hand, trusting in Jesus and living out your faith is a completely foreign concept; they often look at "being religious" in a way that seemed odd. Instead of taking this as a compliment I was often shameful in what I was pursuing and my love for ministry.

As I tell this story, as some of you may relate to, I want to make something clear: I am not looking down on those that did these things. In fact, as far as value, we are of equal significance and, as sinners, all fall short. And, to unbelievers, criticizing faith in Christ is the "normal" thing because they're of the world. To the world, this is nonsense. Although I wish that I could see those in heaven someday, reality is that without a faith in Christ, they will not have an eternity with him. And honestly, that breaks my heart.

As a anxious person, I care about what others think of me. I want to be accepted. Though I still struggle with this and probably will with the rest of my life on this earth to a degree, it is pointless. This life is temporary, and at the end, what others perceive me as does not matter. I am not the focus - God is. With this in mind, I often wonder why I care so much.

But, guess what? I am done being afraid. I am done feeling ashamed of the salvation that I received by his amazing grace. My identity is in Christ. I am his bride. His love for me is greater than what any other person could possibly have for me. Despite my daily failings, God the father sent Christ to save me. I have the Holy Spirit indwelt within me. I am a child of God and need him daily. His ways are always greater than mine. Therefore, what he is doing is way too important to regard simply because of my insecurities.

So what if the world is against you? This world is not prime reality. Look at the ultimate example: Christ. When he took on flesh, he was hated. Those that he died for wanted him dead. Because of claiming the truth and being God, king of the Jews, he was soon put to death. If Jesus did this for you, why wouldn't you seek to do the same -- let the world hate you for his sake?

You want to know why am I a Christian? Jesus "saved a wretch like me" (Newton, 1779) -- the girl that will fall short every single time. I do not deserve a life with Him. Yet, he willingly took his life on the cross so that I may live. A perfect God sent his perfect son for me, a sinner, so that I can be with him. Not only do I acknowledge the information, but I trust in it fully.

Please listen to me. If you are a Christian, embrace it. The fact that you're saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) is the greatest thing. Nothing else in this life will compare to the future glory to come (Romans 8:28). So why are you so embarrassed? Instead, share the good news of the gospel. Be a witness to the unbelievers in your life. Share your testimony. Rest in his faithfulness. Reflect the love of Christ. Be the light in midst of darkness. Seek humility. Pursue him with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself (even when it hurts). Bear fruit. Abide in him. Glorify him. Remember the price God paid for you: his beloved son Jesus Christ. Because he deserves it.

However, if you don't truly know Christ, I strongly encourage you to read through the gospel. Though you can not earn your salvation through good works nor by simply knowing the facts, it is indeed a gift that you can receive. All you need to do is accept it.

ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2011. Print.

Reinke, Tony. Newton on the Christian Life: To Live Is Christ. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2015. Print.