For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Mark 8:38 ESV
Lord, I confess making an idol of what other people think. I am a slave to the fear of man. Too many times I am reluctant to be associated with you, the cross, and the gospel. Too many times I keep silent when I know I should share your good news with others who desperately need it. Forgive me for accepting things that you disapprove in order to be accepted by the world that disapproves of you. You chose to be rejected as the worst criminal rather than be accepted by the wealthy and influential. Forgive me for valuing the approval of my friends and co-workers more than your approval. I thank you for the blood-bought forgiveness of Jesus. Amen.
~~Nicholas Beckham