I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20
2 weeks ago, my best friend sent me this meme below. She had this to say about it, “I feel like this is you, and I want to be more like you boo.”
I was flattered, and it’s nice to know that someone else sees me this way. I’ll be honest, what this meme says is exactly how I think sans cursing. Yet, it is not always how I portray myself. Why? Because sometimes it’s hard to be that unashamedly bold.
We live in a world of “my truth” not THE truth. Pronouns, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, Democrats, Republicans, etc…are not THE truth. Nah, that’s my and/or your truth. Too many self-proclaiming Christians are bowing down to “my truth” instead of THE truth. It is destructive to the body (Church). So, what is THE truth you ask?
Well…it’s not what but who is it. Jesus Christ. He is THE truth. John 14:6 quotes Jesus saying “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Now, some of you don’t believe and some do. That’s ok. Some may stop reading and get in their feelings. Differing beliefs tend to do that. That’s ok too. You may not read my writings anymore. All good.
At first, I wasn’t sure if this was something I should write about – boldness. I started a rough draft and stopped because I began to doubt. I felt passionate about it but didn’t know how to express myself. I prayed for guidance and a few days later my best friend sent that meme. It was what I needed.
There are no coincidences. He answered my prayer. That may seem far-fetched to some, but very few know what He is doing with me. I would be remiss if I didn’t say I don’t totally know myself. One thing IS for sure – He is using my writing to bring out what is within.
You see, I have a voice – I must speak. I cannot water down my message or His message. This is me. I am a child of the living King. I cannot be afraid to hurt your feelings.
” 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” – Mark 12:30-31.
I am commanded to do these things. Wouldn’t you want to help save someone from self-destruction? That is real love.
I cannot be petrified of how you’re going to react. Your triggers, meltdowns, and tantrums cannot stifle my voice. I’m going to piss people off. I’m going to make people uncomfortable. I’m going to lose friends and family, and it’ll hurt. The truth hurts people. It has no regard for your feelings. But, isn’t this a good thing?
As a Christian, I won’t be well-liked. I feel like that’s a requirement. That’s fine. I’m used to that – ✅. Family, so-called friends, and the workplace alike. I don’t need to be liked.
Jesus said to be the salt.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” – Matthew 5:13.
What does this mean? Imagine eating bland food. Some of ya’ll like bland food, but the majority like flavor! Tasteless food is often rejected. Salt is also a preservative. Preservatives help prevent spoilage.
As a Christian, I am called to serve and live faithfully to God. I lose my taste if my godly influence can’t cause change. I’d lose my preservative effect if I choose to be of the world (values and beliefs) and not in it. Many won’t like my taste, but c’est la vie! I choose to live like Jesus.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16.
With the power of the Holy Spirit, there is great work being done within me. Radiate my light? More like shine! I pray I glow bright enough so that you may see my good works. While my good works will not save me, they are a witness for Jesus.
To my Father in heaven, may I glorify You in all that I do. Oh, how I long that someday, I’ll hear You say…well done good and faithful servant.
theOlivetbee 