Proverbs 28:1... Building with Boldness

 ¹ The wicked man flees though no one pursues, 

       but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1

Proverbs 28:1 reminds us that as Christians we have no reason to fear life’s challenges.  Why?

God’s "Trade In" Program

God has the Best "Trade In" Program in the universe!  When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we accepted the fact that Jesus literally died (or accepted the penalty) for our sins.  In paying the penalty for our sin’s, the Bible says Jesus made us “righteous” in God’s sight (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). 

How’s that for a trade?!  We gave Jesus sin, shame, suffering and death and we received abundant life, adoption into God’s family, the power to positively influence those around us and a new title… Righteous (See John 10:10, Galatians 4:4-7, Matthew 5:13 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).  Hence, when Proverbs 28:1 says, “The righteous are as bold as lions.”  It’s talking about you!

Self Righteousness vs. God’s Righteousness

It’s important not to confuse God’s righteousness with Self Righteousness.  Salvation (i.e. Being made right in God’s sight) is not something we earned.  We could not afford it.  It is a gift from God.  Pure and simple… A gift.  Jesus didn’t die on the cross because he owed us.  He didn’t die on the cross because we were smarter, kinder or cooler than other people.  Nope!  Salvation has nothing to do with anything we did.  It is a gift inspired by God’s love.  If you accepted Christ as Savior, gratitude, thanksgiving and humility are the proper responses not self-righteousness  (See Ephesians 2:8-9).

Adoption into God’s Family

As a result of accepting Christ as our Savior, the Bible also declares that we became Children of God (See John 1:10-13, Romans 8:15-17 and Galatians 4:4-7).  Wow!  God is King!  This means we are members of “Thee Royal Family!”  Being royalty has its privileges and possessing a “powerful, loving, disciplined boldness” is one of them (See 2 Timothy 1:7).

Building an Abundant Life with Godly Boldness

Here are three ways to productively and powerfully leverage the boldness that God has invested in you…

• Boldly Converse with God in Prayer...  Want Advice?  Anxious?  Worried?  Try praying.  God loves talking to us.  There are several scriptures encouraging us to pray at all the times about all matters (See Philippians 4:6 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  God is never too busy for you.  Turn thoughts of worry into conversations with your Heavenly Father.  Instead of thinking, “How am I going to accomplish X, Y and Z?”  Simply pray, “God, I know You know the best way to accomplish X, Y and Z.  Please reveal it to me.”    God not only wants you to pursue Him in prayer… He wants you to boldly approach him in prayer (See Hebrew 4:14-16)

• Boldly Overcome Challenges to Live Victorious and Productive Lives...  Your boldness is a differentiating factor.  Unleash it!  God’s boldness placed in you will motivate you to step up when others are stepping back.  The Bible says that you are more than a conqueror, can do all things and that your relationship with Christ will cause you to be productive (See Romans 8:37, Philippians 4:13 and John 15:1-8).

• Boldy Communicate the Power of Christ in Words and Deeds...  Your boldness will produce results in your life.  Your results will create attention and provide you with influence.  Boldly use that power, attention and influence to live a life that says, “My success is a result of God’s love, direction and grace.  Want to achieve greatness?  Let me introduce you to Jesus!”  It’s the best gift you can give to God, friends and enemies!  (See Matthew 5:13-16)

Today I Will Boldly Approach Every Opportunity and Challenge!