Be Bold

How many times have you stayed silent for fear of ridicule or retribution? Was it once? More than once? As believers, we tend to face this on a regular basis. Especially when culture is moving more and more toward secularism and a post-Christian world. The unfortunate reality is that Christians tend to be on the defensive. They live in an alien world that does not understand the Christian perspective and values. Often that world turns hostile, and Christians seek protection and security. Instead of marching joyously out to claim God’s world for him, believers set perimeters and build walls (Dennis Kinlaw, This Day with the Master).

We have a tendency to hide when hostility comes. We seek protection from the negativity or barrage of social pressure around. The Ancient Israelites felt the same pressure. After their exile, they returned to their home and began to rebuild Jerusalem. They wanted to protect themselves from their enemies and rebuild the walls around the city. God had other plans for them. He wanted to be their protection. So he spoke through the prophet Zechariah that Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within’ (Zechariah 2:4-5 NIV).

God himself would be the wall around His people and the glory that is inside them. They were to be the witnesses of God’s glory. To witness the protection he has given them and the glory that they have seen. After Jesus had returned to heaven, Peter and John began to witness to the surrounding communities about Jesus. The church officials arrested them for questioning to stop the spread of The Way. They were commanded not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-20 NIV).

The boldness we have to share our testimony comes from knowing Jesus Christ intimately. It’s from knowing who He is, what He has done, and where He is leading us. To the point that we can’t help but speak about what we have seen and heard. To say I see your love, see it all around. Nothing's gonna keep it down. I gotta praise, gotta let it out, gonna let it out. One thing is true. I was made to love you (Elevation Rhythm, Praises).

The world may be hostile. The pressures of society may be pressing down. But we were called to stand out in a crowd. To look at the world and say which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges (Acts 4:18 NIV)!

Stand bold this week. Dare to stand out!