Boldness

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Boldness is an opposite of being shy. A bold person may be willing to risk shame or rejection in social situations, and willing to bend rules of etiquette or politeness. Boldness does not necessarily mean obnoxious; it is possible for one to be bold, while staying silent.

Silence

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Social

Silence in social interaction is the absence of speech. According to cultural norms, silence can be interpreted as positive or negative. For example, in a Christian Methodist faith organization silence and reflection during the sermons might be appreciated by the congregation, while in a Southern Baptist church, silence might mean disagreement with what is being taught, or perhaps disconnectedness from the congregated community.

In spirituality

A silent mind, freed from the onslaught of thoughts and thought patterns, is both a goal and an important step in spiritual development. Inner silence is understood to bring one in contact with the divine or the ultimate reality of this moment.

So I am not so sure why those two words came to mind today but I had decided I was going to write a blog today and that is what I sat down and typed. Interesting enough, those two words are relative to one another, yet so uniquely distinct.

I want to be BOLD and not silent many days, but some times the Lord brings me to a position where I have no words to say and therefore I remain SILENT.

What does the bible tell us to be?

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The righteous are bold as a lion.”

“in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.” Paul writes in Ephesians 3:12.

….come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:16

The KJV in Hebrews 13:6 says, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

It seems to me that it is important for us as Christians to come boldly to the throne of God in our prayer, in our lifestyle, and in our words. Prayer to the Lord should be intently seeking an answer from the sovereign One. Boldness is having the guts to ask Him for things and to tell Him your expectancy. How about in your lifestyle…Do you wear things the rep’ Christ? Do you surround yourself with people who rep’ Christ? Last, what about those words that come out your mouth? Are the words of TRUTH or are they just simple conformity? I am going to be completely honest… I am often a wimpy Christian and I coward behind someone, something, or a bid SILENCE.

Hmmmm.. SILENCE! Now what does the Bible say about this?

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” says King David in Psalm 46:10.

1 Peter 2:12 – “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”

The Prophet Habakkuk said, “The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him” (Hab. 2:20).

As we have seen, “wait on the Lord” often means “be silent before the Lord.” It is necessary that we collect our thoughts and quiet our hearts for worship and adoration before we can truly pray. “My soul, wait thou only upon God” (Ps. 62:5) is the equivalent of saying, “My soul, be thou silent unto the Lord; remain still in the presence of the Lord; stop what you are doing, and seek the Lord.”

I have to admit I do not slow down and sit still to even be SILENT, but yet when I am intimidated and shy and wimpy about bringing forth TRUTH and EXPECTANCY I will sit in silence. Does this mean I am defeated? Probably not, but I should yield to this lesson from the Lord. When I need to be SILENT I want to be BOLD and pretend I know everything I need to gain awareness, likeness, etc.

Here is a cool article I found about Waiting on the Lord and being silent and still.

Now here is the challenge.

Will you be silent OR bold!? Or will you be BOTH!? I believe that we’re called to be both. I want to be both.