Humble Boldness is Powerful and Godly

Mar. 6, 2017 | By Creflo Dollar

Humility and boldness seem like they’re at the opposite ends of the personality spectrum, yet the Bible deliberately juxtaposes these words. Going by the world’s standards, it’s impossible to be humble and bold at the same time. Yet, we see how Christ teaches us to do this. When we follow His example, this powerful and godly combination can change the world, one person at a time.

We’ve all seen people who act shy and overly humble in front of others, or individuals so bold that they insist on taking center stage all the time. The true definition of humility is to agree with the Word of God and bring our attitudes and behavior into compliance with it. Moses, a man of faith, was a good example of this. “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3, NKJV). Despite being humble, when God sent him to the pharaoh to deliver His message, Moses was bold as a lion and refused to back down.

Young David, the shepherd, humbly obeyed his father and quietly tended the sheep every day, yet he boldly went up against Goliath. Jesus, the picture of humility, showed boldness when He did things that weren’t accepted or politically correct for the times, like eating with sinners, healing lepers, and speaking directly with women. After He was resurrected and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit made His once-cowardly apostles so bold that not even the threat of death could stop them from speaking out.

The world will probably mistake godly humility for pride and arrogance because most people aren’t familiar with the promises God makes to His people. When we believe what He says about us, a godly boldness will shine through. Apart from Christ, we’re no different than any other imperfect person, but His Word transforms us by faith. “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10, NKJV). When I meditate on this, I’m humbled to think that, despite any mistakes I make, my heavenly Father makes me perfect.

This may generate resentment from some people who don’t have the understanding or wisdom to discern the Scriptures. They may think humility means being a doormat for others, and boldness means being rude and ill-mannered. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus, the very One Who humbled Himself to the point of washing others’ feet and dying on a cross, makes us bold. “According to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him”  (Ephesians 3:11, 12, NKJV).

Staying in the proper mindset starts with the attitude we choose. Thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to hinders us on our Christian walk, but God looks favorably on a humble attitude (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). When the world looks at us, God is pleased if the humility or boldness people see is based on His Son. What qualities are you displaying?

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