Article: Unleashing the Lion within
Written by Sunny Unachi on 12th February 2024
Boldness, far from being an attribute of arrogance or recklessness, is a virtue deeply rooted in the character of God Himself. The Scriptures are replete with instances where boldness was not only commended but also commanded. Remember the courageous David who fearlessly faced Goliath, declaring, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45). His unwavering trust in God’s power made him victorious.
The beauty of boldness lies in its defiance against the tyranny of fear. It is a declaration of unwavering trust in the promises of God, echoing the psalmist’s affirmation, “In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11). Boldness is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it, empowered by the assurance that “the Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).
From scripture, we glean five key insights into the nature and significance of the boldness of the righteous:
1.Anchored in Faith: The boldness of the righteous is anchored in unshakable faith. Just as Abraham boldly believed God’s promise of a son in his old age (Romans 4:20-21), we too are called to trust in the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, knowing that He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
2. Empowered by the Spirit: The boldness exhibited by believers is not of their own making but is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. As the disciples were filled with the Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (Acts 4:31), we too are empowered to proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction.
3. Confronts Adversity: Boldness confronts adversity head-on, refusing to cower in the face of opposition. Like Daniel in the lion’s den, the righteous stand firm in their convictions, trusting in the protection of their God (Daniel 6:22).
4. Inspires Others: The boldness of the righteous serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around them. As Paul encouraged Timothy, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7), so too are we called to inspire others through our bold and courageous witness.
5. Brings Glory to God: Ultimately, the boldness of the righteous brings glory to God. When Peter and John boldly declared the name of Jesus before the rulers and elders, they marvelled at their courage and realised they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).
As heirs of righteousness, let us courageously embrace the lionhearted spirit, standing unwavering in faith, firm in our convictions, and fearless in proclaiming truth.
As heirs of righteousness, let us courageously embrace the lionhearted spirit, standing unwavering in faith, firm in our convictions, and fearless in proclaiming truth.
