FAITH OVER FEAR
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
I've met a lot of what I call doormat Christians in my time. Somewhere along the way, they've come to believe their calling from God is to let people walk all over them. To stand up and speak out in any way would be arrogant, rude, or unbecoming of a Christ follower. This simply isn't true. Now, there are some who can go to the opposite extreme, challenging everyone about everything at all times. But I would argue that both extremes are unhelpful. If we're loud, arrogant and abrasive over every subject, I believe we damage our ability to be an ambassador for Jesus. But if we shrink back in fear from ever addressing anything we encounter in the world, we're openly abdicating our ambassador responsibilities.
We are called to take a stand for Jesus. If He truly is our Lord and Savior, then our lives should be wholly given over to Him. That means we will sometimes be out of step with what culture and society say is normal or acceptable. Some may say that our biblically based beliefs will put us on the wrong side of history. Having read the book of Revelation, I can confidently say that accusation is erroneous. We must stand for truth, which is defined by Jesus, not by someone's feelings or the latest trend.
Paul tells Timothy that we have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. Would you say that's true in your life?
Are you operating in your own power or that of the Holy Spirit? Acts 1:8 says that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us and that we will be witnesses for Christ.
Does Christ-like love drive you? To answer this, you have to consider how Jesus loved. If I were to sum it up in one word, I'd say sacrifice. Is your love for others sacrificial or circumstantial? Consider 1 Corinthians 13, known colloquially as the love chapter.
How about self-discipline? And I don't just mean with your latest diet. Can you see the God-given fruit of the Spirit in your life? Self-control isn't actually about self as much as it's about consciously choosing surrender and submission to the will and ways of Jesus.
APPLICATION: Are you living from a place of fear or faith? Are you standing boldly and humbly for Christ? Or are you shrinking back? Ask God to show you where He wants you to step forward for the sake of the Kingdom.
PRAYER: Father, help me to stand for You. May Your Holy Spirit fuel me daily, granting me the boldness to stand for Your truth. Help me to love as You love. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?