The Fellowship of the Unashamed

I read this poem, of sorts, some years ago. It is written anonymously. And it has been given many different attributions - a foreign missionary, an African pastor, etc. But while the author is unknown; the message is clear: Being a faithful and fruitful minister of Jesus Christ requires our total commitment, absolute devotion, and full allegiance.

I reread this challenging testimony again this morning. May you be inspired, as I was again today, to give God your best as you read these words:

"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 preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first , tops, recognized, praised, regard, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

"I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have 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 till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - my banner will be clear!"