TIMIDITY
I have been too cautious, timid. I have been bold in my beliefs in quiet but when displayed, I downgrade, or worse, dismiss the controversy. It is in the controversy where Christ does his triumph. Omitting the fulness of what I believe, only reveals Christ in parts. Would you drive half a car, place your child in half a car seat or allow yourself to get partly dressed for work? At some point, it will cost us. I have always been one to know what the norm is and play within that dynamic as strategically as possible to gain the acceptance of all. Its worked for my acceptance, but not for the kingdom.
Jesus was praised with palm branches entering Jerusalem, but the same hands that waved branches were clinched fists a week later. The masses that praised were now demanding an innocent man should die.
Jesus ate with the hated tax collectors.
Jesus forgave adulterers publicly.
Jesus let a whore wash his feet.
Jesus spoke openly to a woman he was supposed to despise.
Jesus allowed a woman to touch him in a crowd of followers.
Jesus told the Pharisees the hell that was in them and they killed him for it.
Jesus told his friends to follow him at all costs.
Jesus spent every second with his Father.
Jesus walked away in the midst of a murder attempt.
Jesus healed on the sabbath.
Jesus stirred up trouble.
He spent so much time with the Father. The social norms, cultural expectations and communal beliefs had zero influence on his way of loving and leading. Why have I been so careful, so precautious? It leads no one to a life that looks like Christ. I want to be as cautious as the cross. The cross is the most audacious, controversial statement of the trinity. It embodies the result of defying social expectations.
Scripture: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Prayer: Thank you God that you were never cautious in your love for me. Because of your courage, I stand tall in the presence, spread wide in your love and dig deep into the depths of your truth.
