Can we be meek in nature, yet audacious about the plans of God? Well, there is a question we can certainly ponder.
I say, “Absolutely!”
What is the definition of audacious? Showing a willingness to take a bold risk.
I love the encouragement we receive in Mathew 10:16, as the Lord tell us to “Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” How can these 2 things go together? Well, how can Christ be tender & compassionate, while at the same time make a rope & chase the moneychangers out of the temple? You know, there is something about that I find intriguing! I love the combo.
I can remember our early days in India when I carried a backpack about as big as me, & did countless other things I never dreamed I could do, trekking across India. Later, people would say to my husband, “Your wife did what?” I’m just going to add, we can be tough when we need to be. We can arise to any occasion & do what the situation demands. That’s just like Jesus! As a default, we are tender & compassionate. When the situation arises that deserves tenacity, we can be audacious!
Jesus displayed both responses in His actions & in His speech as well!
There were times when He wept with those He loved & reached out with words of compassion, like when Lazarus had died in John 11. All the while, there were also occasions when he was outraged at the Pharisees & said to them, “You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right” (Mathew 10:16). He was fearless! Seems to me Jesus learned this from the Father.
Time & time again we see God’s mercy extended towards the children of Israel. He was so long suffering with them as they came through the wilderness. Then, we could watch when His judgment came down & sin without repentance was dealt with. Yes, lessons were inevitably learned about what He could not tolerate.
What’s the key to knowing which response we must bring to the table? We have to discern when we need to be soft spoken & when we need to be boldly courageous.
I can remember a time in the Ukraine when we were ministering shortly after the iron curtain had fallen. In cold, old theaters we would fill the seats with Eastern Europeans hungry for the truth! One night, ever so sweetly, Russ shared about the love of Christ & the altar was filled with women giving their hearts to Jesus. The next night, he felt more of a conviction to preach about hell with fervor in His word. Guess what happened? The altar was filled with men! Well, God knows what it takes to reach each one & he needed Russ to be willing to display both sides.
Not for all, but for most of us reading these words, the meek side is more natural; it’s the being gutsy moments that we refrain from. Why? What are we afraid of? My friends, it’s time to follow the promptings of God! Certainly, the miracles we see in the Bible came forth on audacious responses from men. One great man of God said, “The difference between revival & no revival is a little bit of boldness.”
So, I issue a challenge today. Yes, let’s remain ever so compassionate towards those who need our care, but let’s also be willing to jump off the bridge of boldness & bring forth the dreams of our heart!
Audacious? Why not!