All words are my own, zero AI. -David McCaleb Shame identity is one of the most effective tools used by the enemy to repress Christians and keep them from maturing. It is a “victimhood” tool, a manufactured lie saying we are oppressed by shame when instead we are complicit in its labor against us. It is self-sabotage where we perform Satan’s work all while believing we are fighting him. Christians, we are not shame’s victim, but its spouse. Let’s get a divorce. What is Shame? The ancient Hebrew culture was rooted in an honor-shame worldview, and one could bring shame upon themselves not only by their actions, but it could be forced upon them by those of others. For example, if someone sinned, it could bring shame not only upon themselves but even their family members. And it started all the way back in the Garden of Eden. Shame is first mentioned in Genesis 2:25, “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” However, after they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened, they saw they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together as coverings (ref. Genesis 3:7). Adam’s reaction to the realization he was naked? Cover himself up. Hide from others. Hide from God. It is here that shame’s reign began. Shame leads to disfellowship with God. But here also is beauty: God does not leave them in shame. He made garments of skin, which is our redemption. The knowledge of good and evil is a foreshadow of the Old Testament law, and the covering provided by the garments from God is a foreshadow of the redemption of Jesus Christ. Thus, just as God covered Adam and Eve’s sin and shame, so also Jesus atoned for ours. Jesus brings us back into fellowship with God. In fact, barely a chapter can be read of His ministry where He did not lift women and men out of shame. Godly Shame “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” 2 Corinthians 7:10. “Godly sorrow” is another way of saying shame. It is an indicator pointing us back to His provision, His covering of Jesus Christ through repentance, which leaves no regret. Why then, even after repentance, do some of us sense shame’s oppression? How does it persist? Technically, it doesn’t. The Lie “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1 emphasis added. Those in Christ Jesus have no condemnation. Repentance leaves no regret. These are truths of Scripture, which is the word of God, which is truth, and persistent shame contradicts them. Therefore, persistent shame is a lie. So who is repeatedly whispering this lie into our ear until we receive shame as our identity? The kingdom of darkness. Spirits and demons, folks. When we sense shame for sin that has already been submitted to Christ, an evil entity is speaking to us. Now, the real problem is not the speaker or their message, but that we agree with them. The Spiritual Agreement of Shame A spiritual agreement is like an earthly contract in that both sides receive benefit. When the kingdom of darkness reminds us of our mistakes or shortcomings, they simply tempt us to remain in shame. “Remember what you did? How you messed up? You need to cover that up.” In this manner, over time we can be beaten down and believe Satan’s lie. I cannot overemphasize that last sentence. For, when we believe Satan’s lie, we strike an agreement with the dark kingdom. We extend a handshake and say, “You’re right. I am ashamed of ______.” This is an agreement with the wrong kingdom, setting hooks into the believer’s life. The Bible calls these hooks “footholds” in Ephesians 4:26-27. But at this point, shame’s “victimhood” persona still feels appropriate because we have yet to admit to what we benefit from this same agreement. Remember, shame is a covering, fig leaves over our nakedness, a self-effort to atone for past mistakes. Even if only subconsciously, we are rejecting God’s garments (Jesus Christ) and believing that our shame provides our covering. What do we receive? A covering, but one of self-effort. It is impossible to feel shame while giving God all glory for our atonement. Shame is lifting self-effort over God’s provision, thus raising ourselves over Him. It is breaking the second commandment, idolatry, by placing our own efforts over His words, provision, and truth. Shame is unholy, unrighteous, and sinful. When we agree with Satan’s lie, identifying ourselves as remaining in a state of shame, we are no longer shame’s victim, but rather its unholy bride. Now, ready for that divorce? Divorce Decree We must rebuke the spirit of shame in the name of Jesus, just as God did to Satan in Zechariah 3:2. Cut off its access just as King David spoke in Psalm 118:10-12. Confess the sin of idolatry, of exalting our emotions over God’s truth, and turn to embrace the total provision and healing of the lover of our soul. Renounce every agreement with shame, and slay every spirit (Luke 19:27) that tempts us to agree with it. Pray God’s protection around our minds (Job 1:10). Stand in our authority (Matthew 10:1, Luke 10:19) and boldly declare Jesus Christ as our only head (Ephesians 1:22). We are victors, not victims (Romans 8:1). In this manner, the dark kingdom’s grip is broken. Will the feelings of shame disappear immediately? Maybe. In my experience, victories are immediate in the spirit, but my mind and heart take time to adjust to the new normal. I often need to repeatedly speak God’s truth over my life and praise Him for His deliverance. In short, it may take a season. Summary Repent of the sin of embracing shame. We must confess our part in our own oppression. Turn to God and receive His all-sufficient provision and healing. Walk in the truth of cleanness, wholeness, and holiness before God (1 John 1:9). Renounce every lie of the kingdom of darkness. Believe God’s truths. Going forward, assign to yourself only that which He has spoken over you. You are the bride of the most high God. Stand in that truth. God bless! -David McCaleb P.S. Did you know the sap of a fig tree is caustic to human skin? Breaking off fig leaves releases a sticky, milky sap which leads to intense itching. Thus, Adam and Eve’s attempt to atone for their shame themselves was not only futile, but downright irritating to what they were trying to cover. Lesson? Human effort to atone for sin and shame only makes the problem worse. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidmccaleb.substack.com
