heart overhaul
- Bailey
- Jul 27, 2015
- 3 min read
be brave. be bold. be intentional.
be brave. { For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 }
Bravery is marked not by the appearance of courage and confidence, but by an absence of fear and timidity. Loving dangerously, speaking loudly, stepping out alone are all born through Spirit-initiation and God-strength. Grace on grace.
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
be bold. { And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 3:12-13 }
Time flies and friends can’t see and all is urgent and important and the double-edged Sword lies limp at my side. I’ve been called, in all my commonness and youth to a mission bigger than myself that requires more than I can give. Boldness is rare. It’s taking the lead in all your raw, uncovered, mess of self and bleeding wide open and blood red for all to see.
If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9
be intentional. { And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:39-42 }
Intentionality is hard to come by. Mostly because it’s expensive– costing time and energy and often discomfort. Mind and heart can’t be mutually exclusive when it comes to intentionality, which is why it’s such an elusive trait. It’s something cultivated and honored, as on holy ground. With the right heart-set, intentionality can be an active, tangible reflection of our communion with Jesus.
[Jesus] laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him…”If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do just as I have done to you.” John 13:4-5, 14-15
