TEACHING WATER SKIING
I used to teach people to water ski. Skiing is very doable for the person with average strength. What messes people up is getting things coordinated. Here is the formula:
Keep your skis together
Knees bent
Back straight and head up
Arm’s straight
Hold tight, and let the boat pull you up.
Find your equilibrium
Getting those elements in coordination is the challenge. I see the same principle of coordination in our Christian experience. Many have a challenging time coordinating the Christian virtues. Take for example, Humility and Boldness.
GETTING THE WOBBLE OUT OF HUMILITY AND BOLDNESS
We have no problem finding Bible verses on either humility or boldness. But we fumble integrating them. Humility and boldness are not in opposition. Wobbly ideas of humility and boldness lead to wobbly harmonizing.
Humility is not thinking of ourselves as small. It is seeing God as BIG! Boldness is not being cocky, but acting on truth with resolve.
JESUS’ CALLS TO ACTION ANSWERED WITH FALSE HUMILITY
When Jesus calls us to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, we cannot answer, “I’m much too humble to be a witness.” To be humble does not mean to put your lamp under a basket when the Lord tells you to lift it up!
Jesus charges us “Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Shall we answer, “O Jesus, I’m much to humble to do that?” Our failure to witness boldly may be defiant pride towards God and His will.
SEEING OUR PRESIDENT AS HUMBLE?
This may sound strange but I am seeing President Trump as a very humble man. I’m sure you could site one of his many statements to prove he is arrogant and self-absorbed.
But consider this: He has given up his wealth and comfort, to serve our nation at his own expense. He is volunteering 100 hours a week to help us. He is confronting wrong (draining the swamp) and boldly pulling for the right. He is seeking to restore America. His bold words and bold actions are signs of true humility towards the One who calls us to action.
WE MUST NOT BE COWARDS WHO CALL OURSELVES HUMBLE
Humility and boldness must go together! Not being bold is prideful or fearful. When the Commander calls us to war courageously, we must not beg off claiming humility. That “humility” may be nothing but cowardice or irresponsibility. Not being bold is defiance of God and disrespect for His assignments.
HUMILITY IN ACTION
Humble before God is boldly entering His awesome presence by the blood of Jesus.
Humble before God is boldness in exposing and confronting evil.
Humble with God is sharing Jesus fearlessly.
When He tells us to be bold and courageous, and we do our best to act bravely, that is humility toward God!
May you find that place of harmonic coordination, get up on your skis and glide on the water!
WHAT THINKEST THOU?
How are you at coordinating the Christian virtues of humility and boldness?
Steven C Johnson
LandingStripEnterprises.com
