We live in an age where there is no shortage of boldness.
Just look on Facebook. Our friends, neighbors, classmates, co-workers, and family members all posses a startling capacity for speaking their minds. We aren't afraid to unleash opinions and personal convictions on anything from foreign policy to immigration to the bachelorette or what's lacking in our favorite teams coaching staff.
Ours is a bold society but there’s only one problem.
Our boldness is misplaced.
We're bold to point out the brokenness of others but terrified to mention our own.
Opening up about our needs, about the deep thirsts of our souls is anathema to many. We'd rather stuff our needs further down than ever let them arise on the surface and come out of our mouths. Opening up is a sign of weakness, entitlement, or an uncomfortable admission that we're inadequate.
Anything is better than letting someone in on the pain or the silent suffering we’re living.
There’s a better way.
In the Gospel stories, do you know who are called righteous, forgiven, and full of faith?
It's those whose boldness is not directed at others but at Jesus.
It's people who are unafraid of their brokenness. Who look in the mirror and see a living well of needs. And instead of covering up the well with a paper mâché lid, they rush to the one who can fill this living well with living water—Jesus of Nazareth.
They don’t hide their darkness but bring it to the light of the world. And they leave with new life, freedom, forgiveness and healing.
So, by all means let’s be bold!
But let’s channel our boldness away from the failings of others and boldly take our own failings to Jesus. Only this way will bring life and healing. Only this is the way of God.