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Ephesians 3:8-21
We are thinking too small because that is all we can do on our own. We figure out how to make our little lives work in our little worlds and we just get through it all. Or we just go through life always trying to minimize risk and any exposure that would embarrass us.
Have you noticed that little kids do not care what anyone thinks of them? They just want what they want and try to get it at all costs. Around the age of 12 or 13 a kid becomes obsessed with what others think and I believe we tend to get stuck there. We grow up trying to protect ourselves from the criticism of others and this general mindset makes us cautious.
Today we get to the part of this chapter where Paul is saying basically, "If you will just grasp the fact, that if you are a follower of Christ, you have God's inexhaustible riches in your possession and you can live a bold, fearless and full life." Paul is reminding us of what my father used to say and that is, "Our future is as bright as the promises of God."
What do I mean by living a bold life? I mean go for what you want in a big way and don't settle for little accomplishments. We do not set goals for our players. We don't say, "Joe, you need to rush for at least 150 yards in this game." We say to every player, we want to win and we all have to do what we have to do to win. What if Joe rushed for 120 yards then stop putting forth effort and as a result we lose the game?
God is bigger than you and you limit what God can do in your life when you go after what you think you can do. Let God take hold and make you bold. Stop worrying about what other people think of you and start boldly walking and talking about where your boldness comes from.
When you see a wrong, make it right and when people ask you why you are doing it, you say, "I'm a Christian and that means I have to stand up for what is right." Or if a clerk gives you too much change, return the extra money and say, "As a Christian I can't take this money. It is not mine."
So Paul's challenge is two-fold. Be bold about what you want to achieve because God is in you to strengthen you. And, be bold enough to tell others that your achievement is not about you, it is about God working in you.
Walk out of here today boldly because you are God's.
