&8220;Standing on the shoulders of giants.&8221;

The words of the above title are engraved on the side of a coin I brought back from Scotland.

I&8217;m not sure of their origin, but they seem to be a reminder to appreciate the contribution and sacrifice of those who have gone before.

We live in a time when many seem to be ashamed of who we are and what has been done in the past, both Americans and in the church. Granted, there are some things to be ashamed of, but not everything.

It seems to me that some serious reflection is called for.

Exactly what am I ashamed of and why?

Am I ashamed of things that have been done contrary to God&8217;s will, or am I ashamed of God&8217;s will?

Why, for instance, are so many becoming ashamed of Paul&8217;s writings? Can Judges 2:12 describe our day and time?

&8220;And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.&8221;

Can you imagine some of the conversations that took place among that new generation?

A young Jewish man to his Canaanite wife, &8220;Mom and Dad would have said our love is forbidden. I&8217;m so glad we live in a new world and a new time.&8221;

A young Jewish couple to their Canaanite neighbors as they enter the temple of Baal, &8220;Mom and Dad would have said we could not worship together. I&8217;m so glad we don&8217;t live in those days when everyone was so judgmental.&8221;

Surely we&8217;re not ashamed of the words of Jesus, are we?

Dewayne Spivey serves as senior pastor at Riverchase Church of Christ