ARE YOU BOLD OR TIMID? OUT OF CONTROL OR SELF-DISCIPLINED?

SCRIPTURE:
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, 
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 
(2 Timothy 1:7)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever noticed that some people are bold about their faith when 
they are at church, but away from the church they are more timid about it?
What causes the change?
It must be the change of environment, or possibly the insincerity of faith.

The scriptures tell us that God gave us a spirit of power.
Doesn’t that sound like we should be bold about our faith?
We should be so excited about our salvation 
that we are glad to tell others about it.
Some seem almost embarrassed when asked if they are a Christian.

But God gave to those who belong to Him even more, 
He gave them a spirit of love and self-discipline.
God wants His children to have the same mindset as His Son, Jesus Christ.
You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the 
Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have 
the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. (Romans 8:9)

God wants us to love because Jesus loves.
He wants us to have self-discipline because Jesus was self-disciplined.
Even though He did not want to suffer on the cross, 
He exercised self-discipline and did what His Father asked Him to do.

Love and self-discipline are often joined together.
Many times we have to exercise self-discipline in order to show love.
If we allow attitudes such as anger, frustration and disdain to control us, 
then we will not be able to show love.
However when we are able to discipline ourselves and suppress these feelings, 
it gives us a much better chance of showing love.

Self-discipline is also beneficial to our health.
We can develop ulcers if we allow worry and anxiety to control us.
We can have heart attacks from overexertion, 
if we fail to discipline our efforts to maintain good health.

Uncontrolled worry, fear, prejudice, hatred and envy, just to name a few,
can all be contributors to mental stress that may lead to mental illnesses.
If we have the mind of Christ, then worry will be offset by trust, 
hatred will be offset by love, and fear will be offset by faith.
Now we can understand why God gives these spirits to those who belong to Him.

ACTION:
Do you feel you have the spirit of power, love and self-discipline?
Are you timid about your faith, or do you have a bold faith at all times?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the three powerful spirits You give 
to those who belong to You. Teach me to love as Jesus loves. Teach me 
to boldly express my faith in You through my words and actions. Show 
me how to practice self-discipline so that I can do both. Help me to develop 
the same characteristics and attitudes as Your Son, Jesus. Guide me in my 
efforts to keep my mind on You.”