Bold

Boldness is essential in leadership. To lead people through the expected and unexpected changes in life, leaders have to be bold. This is why I’ve often felt unqualified to lead. Honestly, I’ve never thought of myself as a bold person. I’ve held back from following God’s call to lead for fear of being thought of as timid or weak. I have asked myself, “how I can become bold?”

Paul wrote to the Corinthian church and to you and me: “Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold” (2 Corinthians 3:12). The new way Paul references is living by faith in Christ rather than through works. This new boldness Paul talks about doesn’t come from self-confidence but rather from confidence in God. We are bold because we know Jesus is with us and the Holy Spirit is working in us.

I’ve realized that to be a leader, being bold doesn’t need to come naturally. In fact, it’s more effective when it comes supernaturally. When we go bold on our own, it can look arrogant, demanding, prideful, and controlling. Simply put, it can look ugly and repulsive. On the other hand, when I am bold through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am able to lead unafraid and unapologetically while lifting up and empowering others.

We can be very bold, knowing the Spirit is leading us. Our relationship with Jesus Christ should give us great boldness in speech and action. Because of Jesus, we can lead with boldness.

Affirmation: I am bold.

Reflection: What might boldness look like in your day-to-day leadership?