The Fellowship of the Unashamed

I have been ordained since 2018 and have had many different opinions shared with me as to how I should and how all Christians should act in and through their ministries.

One of which I come back to again and again, is what is called the “Fellowship of the Unashamed” or “The Martyrs' Prayer”. It was written by a pastor in Zimbabwe more than 100 years ago.

In it, it states many different things, but it is mainly based on St Paul's letter to the Philippians, chapter 3, verses 20 to chapter 4, verse 3.

You may have come across this before, but I think it is worthwhile reading as a powerful reminder that we are called to live our lives and give ourselves fully to our Lord and King in everything we do.

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power.

The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudit, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and labour by power.

My pace is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road is narrow. My way rough. My companions few.  My guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I’ve stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give ’til I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He’ll have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear!

So I pray as you each read this, and study it, that each one of us in our ministries may reflect this in our days, lives and words, loves and that may God continue to bless each one of you this day, this hour and this minute and be assured your all very much in my and our prayers for your Christian journeys this Creationtide.