To illustrate what Paul was trying to get across to Timothy, I will ask you this. Does your next-door neighbor know that you’re a Christian? Or when a group of friends get together and the conversation goes into the sewer do you say something, or just squirm uncomfortably? Paul is exhorting Timothy to not just stand there in embarrassed silence, afraid of persecution because he doesn’t conform to worldly standards, but to boldly give witness through his “story” of how the Lord has worked in his life. People need to hear the “Good News” of the Gospel Message…they need to know God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their life…so what’s so shameful about that?