As a teenager, Origen, who was later to become one of the great leaders and theologians of the early church, was determined to follow his father’s example and die as a martyr for his faith. His mother pleaded with him not to, but he wouldn’t listen. So, she hid his clothes, which meant he couldn’t leave the house without appearing naked. The interesting thing is that Origen was brave enough to be martyred, but not brave enough to risk ridicule.
A bit like many of us, I suspect. In our minds we declare ourselves to be believers, committed to living faithfully for God, just as long as it doesn’t cause us to be embarrassed. Now I’m not suggesting we should run around naked either, but it does remind us that Jesus said: ‘If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him.’