Since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12

Someone recently said that they would like to be bold like I am bold and to be able to pray like someone else. In my pride I let it go. To me, this is a compliment.

Now I fear it allowed a misconception to linger in her mind.

I am bold when a room full of Christian women come to hear the Word of God taught. I can be bold when I am teaching my grandchildren, whose hearts I want right with God. I am bold if someone asks me a question and I am certain about the answer.

But, I am not all that bold with those who are lost and do not know what they do not know – especially if “I think” that they will be hostile to the truth of scripture.

God has given Christians different personalities. He has given us different gifts. All are necessary parts of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:22-26). Some are obviously to be doing the more noticeable work while others will prepare the way for them.

God is clear that He did not give us a spirit of timidity (2 Timothy 1:7).  Whether Christians are out in front of a crowd like Paul (Acts 28:31), teaching quietly behind the scenes one on one like Priscilla and Aquila with Apollos (Acts 18:26), or serving the widows as chosen deacons so the preachers could pray and preach (Acts 6:3-4), they are to do what God calls them to do with confidence in God, not themselves.

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 3:12-16, says that it is in the hope that he had in the ministry of the Spirit and the lifting of the veil that happened when he turned to Christ, that he could be bold.

Christian sisters, we live in this same hope! The veil of the mystery of Christ has been lifted! We live in the knowledge of the Lord, informed by the work of the Spirit of God in us. We, too, can and should be bold for the Lord in whatever sphere of influence God has placed us.

Paul had an experience with Christ on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 that made him quite confident of His faith. He grew in knowledge and understanding and sought the teaching of men who were wiser than he. Then, he started preaching. Do you and I have this experience with Jesus?  Are we growing in faith and understanding so we have something to share with others?

Paul was sure that his work for the Lord was to go to the Gentiles and preach the Kingdom of God, to tell people that it was here and they were to turn from their sin. He proclaimed the work of Christ as King (Acts 17:7).

Do we know what our gifts are? God says that He has prepared works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Are we doing them? In our homes? In our workplaces? In our churches? In our communities? (This does not mean that every person will have a work to do in every sphere in every season of life.)

It is not for us to wish to be like others. It is our job to ask God what He has for each one of us to do, using the personality, the gifts, and the season we are in, to proclaim that His Kingdom has come and there is work to be done.