Outspoken Boldness

Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.   You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

Outspoken seems to be a word Christians are shrinking away from.  We are becoming more aware of offending others ... did I really say that.  The truth only hurts those who are convicted by it.  The world has become a liberal stomping ground for avoiding offending others and for creating relative truth.  Many people are either becoming brainwashed or naivety is settling upon them. 

This sounds negative.  I say it because so many Christian seem to be throwing away their confidence.  The word that the writer for Hebrews uses is a very powerful word.  It can mean free and fearless, outspoken, boldness, frankness, cheerful courage, and bluntness.  Reread that.

One of my favorite verses is:
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV - "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

God does not make us timid.  But Jesus said to meek.  He said the meek will inherit the earth.  A meek person has a gentle disposition.  Mixed with confidence, meekness tempers our boldness.  We become shrewd in our conversations. We do not waiver when confronted.  We boldly stand firm on our faith with persecuted.  Meekness is not another word for being run over.

Without confidence, we will not persevere. To persevere is to be steadfast and constant.  Paul had witnessed several Christians losing confidence because they were beginning to face those who disliked Christians.  Those who were losing there confidence had stopped sharing their faith and were no longer attending church.  Paul did not want young Timothy to suffer the same fate.

Paul reminds Timothy that confidence leads to a rich reward that is unlike any gift on earth.  Timothy was an important part of God's plan, just like you are.  Though we may not see the final results or we cannot see our importance, God has already planned a huge celebration to recognize our part.  We make a difference because God is the difference.  When we have done the will of God, as Timothy, we will receive the promises of God.  Life may be a long time to wait for some, but this wait is worth it if we get to share these promises with those who become Christians due to our perseverance.

Be confident.  God has given you a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.   You lack nothing.  Stay constant and be bold.  He is more than enough to make up the difference. Trust in God and enjoy your faith walk today.