Shame is one of the worst things that can happen to someone, and I believe the story of Adam and Eve shows us why. It’s interesting that before sin entered the world, humankind’s native couple roamed around the Garden of Eden totally naked. As hard as it is to imagine, there was a time when being unclothed was nothing to be embarrassed about, because there was no “self-conscience.” God, the Creator, was at the center of existence and His friendship was the desire and fulfillment of the human heart. Adam and Eve felt no need to compete with the Lord nor was there within them an awareness of their own insufficiency; He supplied their needs and they were happy to let Him be God. However, at the moment they took a bite of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they saw their own inadequacy compared to His righteousness. When He walked through the Garden later that afternoon, they were hiding behind fig leaves. Unfortunately, that same game of cat and mouse continues to this day — because we inherited Adam and Eve’s sinful DNA, we were born wanting to be in charge of our lives but aware of our inability to live up to God’s standards. 

My friend, though you were separated from your Creator by sin, the triumph of the cross of Jesus Christ built a bridge right back to His heart. When you received His gift of salvation, your friendship was restored and you were brought again to a place of unashamed nakedness before Him. He knows everything about you, yet He loves you completely. No matter how much you have messed up or are still struggling, He has taken your fig leaves and nailed them to the cross. You don’t need to hide anymore because you are forgiven and set free. Lay shame at His feet and dance unencumbered before Him knowing that you bring delight to His heart!

If you’re unable to attend your local church or need an extra dose of weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.