Pat Findley — BLOG || PATFINDLEY.COM

“I won't give up, shut up, or let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.”

I don’t remember when i first read “The Fellowship of the Unashamed.”

I know that it was years ago.

I think even before I’d trusted Christ in salvation.

But the words of this bold confession have stuck with me over the years.

Though the story of its authorship is unclear, potential authors have been suggested.

Some say it was a foreign missionary surrendering all to the mission field.

Another account says the poem was found among the papers of a young pastor in Zimbabwe after he was martyred for his faith in Christ.

Context clues make us wonder if the writer was being coerced to renounce his faith in Jesus.

But, did he do that? Did he turn away from following Jesus?

The confession answers with a resounding, “No!”

Whatever hardship, difficulty, sacrifice or challenge the author was facing, he was “all in” for the cause of Christ.

Authorship aside, the message of the confession is clear: Being a faithful follower of Jesus requires our total commitment, absolute devotion, and full allegiance.

Every time I re-read this confession my heart is stirred and my faith emboldened.

May you likewise be inspired to give God your all as you read these words.

The Fellowship of the Unshamed

I’m a follower of Jesus Christ.

I'm 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'm 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 and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need prominence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, 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 labor by power.

My face is set.

my gait is fast.

my goal is heaven.

my road is narrow.

my way is rough.

my companions are few.

But 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, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

"THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED"