Don’t be Shy

Don’t be Shy

Matthew 10:1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

Sometimes you have to act like you have been there before. Confidence is often an inside job with outside results. You will need to internalize God’s thoughts about you and your abilities even when you unqualified. Remember, God doesn’t call the qualified, God qualifies the called. 

I remember being a young pastor. I was fresh out of seminary, newly married, still young enough to be on my parent’s insurance (thanks Obama). I remember introducing myself to people by my first name. I did this intentionally because, I believed that it was “unethical to introduce myself as an authority in other people’s lives until I had earned the right” (direct quote of myself. you’re welcome). While my heart to earn respect was commendable, a wise leader corrected my perspective. He always would address me by my title. I finally asked him why. He said, you  don’t call a doctor by her first name, and you don’t call a police officer by his name without saying officer.”

The lesson there is applicable for all of us. You are who you are and the gifts and talents you’ve been given should not be repented for. Sometimes, it is tempting to want to conform to the norms of the environment that you are in. But, It is crucial that you remember that you are who God made you to be and whether others embrace it or not, you are called. You are capable. You need only to follow the example of Christ. Live a life full of faith, believing that God can and will use your life powerfully.