Articles
Meek And Bold
The general perception of the kind of person a Christian should be is that they are to be quiet, meek, and humble. Even the most worldly person recognizes that arrogance and being a loudmouth does not equate to the characteristics of a true Christian. The ones that get the most attention are quite often the ones who are loud and arrogant and who do everything they can to draw attention to themselves. They do get attention — which is sad, because Christians should live so as to draw attention to God and Jesus Christ, not self.
Meekness [which is not weakness] certainly is an attribute that Christians should show to the world, and it is is an attitude that should define us. Jesus Himself said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 1:29, KJV); the NKJV, ESV, and NASB translate the word as “gentle.” The idea is clear, no matter what the word, though. As His disciples, it is our responsibility to emulate our Master; so, yes, we must be meek people.
But, at the same time, we must not be always so quiet and reserved that we never speak up and never show such confidence that others might be shocked to see. Yes, Christians must also have confidence and boldness! Lest we think there is a contradiction here, let us consider some occasions where the situation demands boldness and meekness — just not in the same way.
When We Come To God. Since the Bible teaches us, “God resists the proud” (1 Pet. 5:5), it would be very foolish to even attempt to approach God with pride in our hearts. Since “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord” (Prov. 16:5), it would be useless to even think He would accept us. It is the one who has enough meekness to know he is a sinner who will readily receive the word of God (Jas. 1:21).
On the other hand, we may approach God with boldness, knowing that the evidence is there to convince any honest heart that He does exist, and that He is far superior to any man. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6), and he is not writing of some weak, constantly-doubting belief in God that wavers at every challenge, but stands firm in the belief that God exists, and that He rules over all. Our boldness in coming to God is not because of self, but because of the evidence and testimony that is overwhelmingly convincing. With all He has shown us and given us, this is truly belief beyond a shadow of a doubt! When others challenge the believer and ridicule him, “let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Pet. 4:16). Be bold!
When We Pray. As God is far superior to us, it almost goes without saying that when we approach Him in prayer, we do so with meekness. If we recognize our place, as compared to Him, we might ask as did the psalmist: “Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?” (Psa. 144:3). When we do realize we are but sinners (1 John 1:8), then we would lower ourselves as much as humanly possible and plead only, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). We realize we deserve nothing good, and are truly unworthy of His ear.
On the other hand, as Christians, we can come boldly to God in prayer! How so? Well, it is not the same boldness the arrogant man has, thinking he is 'good enough' to approach God; no, this boldness comes because of what God and Christ have done for us. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin,” and based on this, admonishes us, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:15, 16). We can come “boldly” to God in prayer not because we are worthy, but because we know Christ will be there as one who understands what we go through, and will speak on our behalf. We have boldness because of who Christ is, and because what He did for us, and because God is willing to forgive when we seek forgiveness!
When We Face Temptations. It would be great if Christians never faced temptations, but if even our Lord faced them, why would we think we are exempt? It is for this reason we should face temptations with meekness, understanding “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (Jas. 1:14), and with the reminder that we have already all sinned (Rom. 3:23). If we fell once, we could fall again.
On the other hand, we can face temptations with boldness, knowing “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13), and with boldness, knowing should we fall, “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). The boldness here is knowing we have an answer to every temptation available to us; let us ensure we use those means of escape!
When We Teach The Unbeliever. No one likes to sit and listen to an arrogant know-it-all, so it is important that we approach our teaching opportunities with meekness. In fact, God's word tells us we should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15), and that we should be able to “teach…in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil” (2 Tim. 2:24-26). Humility will open doors and keep them open, while arrogance will cause many to slam the door in our face!
On the other hand, we should go to the lost with boldness, knowing the power is not in us or in our persuasive abilities as to whether one obeys or not, but in the fact “the gospel of Christ…is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). Our boldness is not based on self, but in the conviction that the word God has given to us is sufficient to cause belief (cf. John 20:30, 31). We should also go with boldness, not ashamed of the gospel or of Christ Himself, knowing such behavior will render us rejected by Him when we stand before Him in the final Judgment (Matt. 10:32, 33). We should boldly proclaim the truth, when men want to hear it and when they don't (2 Tim. 4:2) because there is no other way to heaven; these are the words of eternal life!
The responsibility we have in all this is knowing when we must be meek, and when we must be bold; confusing the two will lead to condemnation by God, prayers that will not be heard, failure to overcome sin, and lost souls that remain lost. The easy part is, when we exalt God and humble self, the right way will become all the more obvious.
Now, let's go! — Steven Harper
