fbpx

Would you ever accept something that was untrue? What if I told you that whenever you accept shame you are accepting a lie? (With the exception of shame from sin that we need to repent of). In what probably feels unnatural, what if we could swap our shame for honor? Accepting honor instead of shame is not only how God sees us, but it is the truth, replacing the lies of shame.

What a picture it would be if people placed crowns of honor on one another, encouraging what was considered praiseworthy about each other. Instead of minimizing one another or competing for our own glory, we would want the other person to shine.

This is what Christ has done for us.

He bore all our shame and cast His light upon us. He removed all our sin and shame and it is in His name that our honor is restored.

Accepting Honor Instead of Shame: Fixing Our Thoughts

When we ruminate on thoughts of shame and our not being enough, we will remain in shame. But Scripture tells us what we should think on.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3)

Shame has a way of wrapping itself around our hearts, whispering lies that we are unworthy, unloved, and unforgivable. It seeks to define us by our failures, reminding us of every misstep and moment of inadequacy. But as followers of Christ, we are invited to trade the heavy burden of shame for the liberating honor found in Him. As we fix our thoughts on Christ, Christ fixes our thoughts.

Accepting Honor: Removing Shame’s Destructive Grip

Shame differs from guilt. While guilt says, “I did something wrong,” shame says, “I am something wrong.” It becomes a false identity that binds us in fear and self-loathing. The Bible gives us examples of people who wrestled with shame. Think of Peter after he denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:61-62) or the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11). Their shame could have led them to isolation and despair, but Jesus offered them something radical: honor.

Accepting Honor: The Exchange at the Cross

At the heart of the gospel is the great exchange. Jesus bore our shame on the cross so we could receive His honor. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus “endured the cross, scorning its shame.” Why? So that we might be clothed in His righteousness and stand blameless before God. When we accept Christ’s sacrifice, we are no longer defined by our sin or failures but by His perfect love.

Accepting Honor: Living in Honor

Accepting honor instead of shame requires a shift in perspective and belief. Here are practical steps to embrace this new identity:

Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 urges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Replace shame-filled thoughts with the truth of God’s Word. Meditate on scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17 (“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”).

Embrace God’s Forgiveness: Shame thrives when we hold onto guilt. Confess your sins to God, trusting in His promise in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Walk in Community: Shame isolates, but honor thrives in fellowship. Surround yourself with believers who remind you of your identity in Christ and encourage you in your journey.

Accepting Honor: Reflecting Honor to Others

As recipients of God’s honor, we are called to extend it to others. Jesus’ interaction with the woman caught in adultery is a powerful example. He did not condemn her but offered her dignity and a new beginning (John 8:11). Likewise, we can reflect God’s heart by speaking life into others, affirming their worth, and pointing them to the hope found in Christ.

In Christ, shame no longer has the final word. You are no longer defined by your past, your mistakes, or the labels others have placed on you. Instead, you are clothed in honor, called a beloved child of God, and invited to walk in the freedom of your true identity. Lay down your shame at the foot of the cross and embrace the honor Jesus has given you. It’s not just a new way of thinking—it’s a new way of living.

And when Christ bestows His honor upon us, we cast our crowns at His feet knowing He deserves all the praise.

Check out the Seeing Deep blog this week for a mindset hack on accepting what we cannot change. While we should never accept lies or shame, there are realities in this world that we can accept as our reality, but Christ is greater.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This