Our nature recoils from shame – even though it is an expected result of sin.  This is true in evangelism as much as in any area of our lives. John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress includes an account described by ‘Faithful’ of his interaction with a certain man ‘Shame’.

…he objected against religion itself; he said it was a pitiful, low, sneaking business for a man to mind religion; he said that a tender conscience was an unmanly thing; and that for a man to watch over his words and ways, so as to tie himself from that hectoring liberty, that the brave spirits of the times accustom themselves unto, would make him the ridicule of the times. He [Shame] objected also, that but few of the mighty, rich, or wise, were ever of my opinion; nor any of them neither, before they were persuaded to be fools, and to be of a voluntary fondness, to venture the loss of all, for nobody knows what.  He moreover objected the base and low estate and condition of those that were chiefly the pilgrims, of the times in which they lived; also their ignorance, and want of understanding in all natural science.

The footnote on this interaction is insightful to face the reality of shame and our antipathy to it.

Nothing can be stronger proof that we have lost the image of God, than shame concerning the things of God.  This shame, joined to the fear of man, is a very powerful enemy to God’s truths, Christ’s glory, and our soul’s comfort.  Better at once get out of our pain, by declaring boldly for Christ and his cause, than stand shivering on the brink of profession, ever dreading the loss of our good name and reputation: for Christ says (awful words): “whosever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father.” Mark 8:38. It is one thing to be attacked by shame, and another to be conquered by it. [Bold and Italics added]

I think in Bunyan’s day, shame was unavoidable for non-conformist ministers – especially since so many of their convictions were outwardly apparent.  In our days, we hope to hold our convictions inside, not risking outward discovery and save ourselves from shame.  This is self-serving, easy believing with no cost, a religion our natural hearts love, but far beneath what God is worthy of!  May God have mercy upon us!