Day 295

Jeremiah 39:1-41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalm 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 26:1-2

No Room for Timidity

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he encourages Timothy to follow his example and be aware of the responsibility he assumes to carry on the Word and the Gospel. He emphasizes that we should not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord but join with him in suffering for the Gospel.

What is our responsibility toward the Gospel? Is this ministry only for the ordained, or do all Christians have a responsibility? Paul reminds us: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline, Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me” (1 Timothy 1:7-8).

Most of us are bold in things of the world in business or social interactions. We do not hesitate to make bold moves to protect our interests in this arena. But when it comes to revealing our faith in the simple words of, “God bless you,” “Jesus loves you,” or “God is good,” we only say those to other known Christians. Have we become so timid in the faith? Paul is speaking to all of us to measure our faith in proclaiming the Gospel not only with our deeds but with our lips, and to abandon timidity.

We cannot do anything through our works to gain salvation. That was given to us by God’s grace through Jesus Christ who abolished death. Don’t think this means that we shouldn’t do good works. When we reach out to others with care and concern, it is because we are so grateful to God for His gift of salvation through His Son that we feel compelled to share that blessing.

Let us continue to do all the good works for our fellow man, but also shoulder the responsibility to proclaim the gospel to him. In this way, all may come to know Christ and be resurrected in Him.

Norma Ragsdale