Love’s Boldness – The Disciple-Making Lifestyle

At times, you may find yourself thinking, “Surely I’m not alone.” How many other – shy Christians are afraid to share their faith? You may also be tempted to adopt this line of reasoning, “If timidity is so widespread among my fellow church-members, why can’t I just be comfortable blending in with them?” The answer is, “You can!” Your salvation has nothing to do with your willingness to witness. However, it has everything to do with your assigned mission and fulfillment as a Christian. The real issue is, at the end – how deeply do you want to hear God say:

“…well done my good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21)

Imagine the joy of receiving God’s affirmation! This will be your Father’s greeting if you invest your time, influence, and His resources – in honor of His Son!

If those we know are not being drawn to the Savior by observing our lives, then our witness needs to shine more brightly! Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) The question is, when people think about us as Christians – can they easily associate us with our heavenly Father?

Like everything else that truly matters, living for Christ requires conscious effort. Our willingness to settle for spiritual mediocrity is simply not acceptable (see Revelation 3:16). However, pursuing a life with positive spiritual impact requires spending quality time with our Master.

The Bible says, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9) This is the reason why having a daily quiet time for Bible reading and prayer is so important. Being consistent as Christ’s disciple does not require trying harder, as much as it does simply – loving Him more!

Timidity invariably retreats in the face of Christian discipleship. As spiritual opposites, they cannot comfortably co-exist. Don’t forget that the Holy Spirit negates our inappropriate fears! The Bible declares,

“…God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
(2 Timothy 1:7)

Every morning as you pray and read your Bible, ask the Lord to give you an extra measure of boldness. Remember what He told the first disciples, “On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses…but…do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:18-20)

Christian boldness comes from God’s indwelling Spirit who gives us power, love, and self-discipline!