Timid?

             For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (II Timothy 1:7)

Some people think I’m not afraid of anything. I think I’m afraid of everything. But fear isn’t really what this verse is talking about. There is a difference between being afraid and being fearful or timid. Being afraid is circumstantial. Being timid or fearful is behavioral. They are habits. I suspect I’m timid. Or maybe that’s just a lie I tell myself.

          But today’s passage tells us that this isn’t the way we’re supposed to be. God has given us a Spirit of power. Put aside the superhero image. Power is the ability to act, so your having power may mean you can cook a meal or say “Hello.” And what is to supply that power? Love - the commitment to doing what is for the good of the other. Love is activated by self-discipline, because it’s easy to procrastinate when it comes to loving. In its turn, self-discipline is motivated and empowered by love. These three are tightly related to what the Spirit does in our lives.

          As usual, I’m writing this the day before you read it, and in between the writing and reading, I’ll be hosting a “talent show.” I’m afraid it’s going to crash and burn. I’m always sure that things I do will crash and burn. At the same time, some of the people I’ve spoken with don’t want to perform because they don’t think they’re good enough. It’s a natural enough sentiment, but if they thought, instead, of the performance as loving their neighbors by bringing them joy, refreshment, laughter, hope, or some other positive experience, they might think the fear worth it. How often do we fear to perform because we think what we do will have no value to us or might embarrass us, instead of what value it might have to someone else?