Newsboys - I'm Not Ashamed Lyrics

Album: Shine...The Hits
Released: 24 Oct 2000

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Lyrics

I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ

What are we sneaking around for?
Who are we trying to please?
Shrugging off sin, apologizing like we're spreading some kind of disease
I'm saying, "No way, no way"

I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ

This one says it's a lost cause
Save your testimonies for church time
The other ones state you'd better wait until you do a little market research
I'm saying, "No way, no way"

I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ

I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ
I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ

I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ

Video

Newsboys I'm Not Ashamed Original Video

Meaning & Inspiration

Newsboys’ "I'm Not Ashamed," released in 2007 as part of their "Newsboys: The Greatest Hits" album, stands as a powerful declaration of faith, cutting straight to the heart of Christian conviction. From its release, this track has resonated with many as an anthem for unapologetic belief, bypassing musical trends to deliver an enduring message. It addresses the internal and external pressures faced by believers, championing a courageous stance in a world often hostile or indifferent to spiritual truth.

At its core, the song dissects the struggle against spiritual timidity, asking pointedly, "What are we sneaking around for? Who are we trying to please?" This rhetorical challenge goes beyond mere introspection; it’s a direct call for authenticity in faith. The lyrics confront the tendency to dilute one's Christian identity or "shrug off sin" to gain social acceptance, likening such compromises to "apologizing like we're spreading some kind of disease." This bold imagery highlights the absurd notion of feeling shame for the very message intended to bring hope and healing. The track then presents various forms of discouragement, from those who dismiss faith as a "lost cause" to others who suggest confining spiritual expressions to designated "church time" or demand "market research" before sharing the gospel. In response to these pressures, the song repeatedly asserts a resounding "No way, no way," firmly rejecting any compromise that would diminish the public testimony of a believer.

The central declaration, "I'm not ashamed to let you know, I want this light in me to show, I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ," forms the backbone of the song's profound message. This statement directly echoes the Apostle Paul's resolute words in Romans 1:16, where he proclaims, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." The desire for one’s "light... to show" strongly aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:14-16, where He instructs His followers, "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This isn't about personal glory, but about allowing God's transforming presence to be evident in one's life, naturally drawing attention to Him. The commitment to "speak the name of Jesus Christ" further connects to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), which calls believers to go and make disciples, and to the powerful assertion in Acts 4:12 that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." This isn't merely a private affirmation; it's a public proclamation of the source of eternal life.

The song’s critique of man-pleasing finds its roots in passages like Galatians 1:10, where Paul asks, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?" It encourages a divine focus rather than bowing to societal pressures. When the lyrics challenge "shrugging off sin" or acting apologetic for the Christian message, it directly counters the biblical call for holiness and a distinct identity. Second Corinthians 6:17 commands, "Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate,' says the Lord." The notion of faith needing "market research" is a stark contrast to the Spirit-empowered approach described in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, where Paul states, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power." Newsboys’ anthem firmly rejects these worldly metrics for spiritual effectiveness, instead advocating for unwavering reliance on divine truth and courage. Ultimately, "I'm Not Ashamed" serves as a timeless clarion call for believers to shed fear, embrace their God-given identity, and boldly live out and speak their faith in every aspect of life, recognizing that the message of Christ is not something to hide, but the most vital truth to share.