The Bold & The Beautiful | The Real Definitions

This month of February 2016, my ministry’s theme is being BOLD and being BEAUTIFUL.

What do those words mean to you?

 In the past, being BOLD to me meant having a strong opinion on something; standing so firm on a worldly view and being ready to engage in rigorous debate over the topic.  Since growing my relationship with Jesus, BOLDNESS means something very different. It’s a very subdued steadfastness that doesn’t involve any quarrelling, debating, revolutionary ideas, attempting to make a difference in societal matters, highly controversial social-economical subjects.  Being bold simply means standing firm in my faith and delivering the gospel in a peaceful and steadfast way with prayer and hope that those who hear of the a Good News can have an opportunity to learn about Salvation. With this new definition, I have found so much liberation. I am no longer a slave to the worldly views or comparisons of society.  Now that I’ve had a taste of this freedom, ‘freedom of speech’ seems an oxymoron to me.

My boldness is rooted in the Word:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.” ~Romans‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭NIV

As for BEAUTY.  Modern society has really distorted the definition of beauty.  There is much talk and campaigning about true beauty found in the heart and not from the looks but I wonder why cosmetic surgery (not for trauma but for enhancement) is the fastest-growing in the medical field. How often do I hear friends talk about ‘botox’ and preserving one’s looks but neglect to mention how to preserve one’s soul.  I, admittedly, have to remind myself every morning, when I look into the mirror, that true beauty is not found in merely what the eye can see.   I am so thankful that I have Christ in me to give me such joy and save me from captivity of idolising my body and outward appearance.

Again, I turn to the TRUTH and this is what God has to say about ‘appearance’.  In His eyes, we are all good enough and we are all beautiful because we are wonderfully and fearfully made in the image of the perfectly, beautiful God.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7