www.bible.com/1713/2ti.1.7.csb
We may not think much of the word “dynamic” as it’s overuse has reduced much of the meaning behind it. But it is an English word transliterated from Greek. The Greek word is what lies behind the word translated “power” in the passage above. This same word is the basis for dynamite.
God gives us His Spirit His Spirit is not commanded or ordered around like “the Force” from Star Wars. The Spirit is fully God, and has a mind of His own. But this gift of the Holy Spirit In is is given with purpose. He did not so gift us to continue to live in fear. Some translations add “timidity” As if to say, He did not gift us to be timid. When we have relieved His Spirit, He intends for us to share His attributes, His power, His love and His sound judgment. We can safely assume these are intended to be the opposite of timidity.
Rather we are to be bold in expressing God’s power. While some may be thinking about tongues and miracles here, let me tell of greater powers than these, like forgiveness, overcoming addiction, grace for others’ mistakes, preaching the word with boldness, and showing to the word what it means to live everyday for Christ. These take extraordinary power, more than can be found in a healing or a tongue.
Be bold in sharing God’s love. Seems simple, but like the above, can require exceptional power to carry out, especially for the unlovable. Yet God expects His people to love at all times, to reach into place where His love is not known and share it freely. It is a powerful love.
And has anyone ever heard of sound judgment? Some translations offer this as “self-control” or “self-discipline” and they probably have something there. The ability to control your self is hard, especially in light of a culture that promotes hedonism, or, “if it feels good, do it.” We used to call this temperance. And yes, this is how we get the phrase “lose your temper.” Sound judgment can be both the ability to choose wisely what you spend time doing, this disciplining yourself, and wise counsel when making decisions. Exercising judgment is not a bad thing, but essential for making good decisions. We used to call this “What Would Jesus Do?” And try to envision the Savior making the choices we are faced with.
The Holy Spirit is more than a “Force”. He is God who empowers you to love and make good decisions. He empowers you to grace and forgiveness. And when you do these things, you grow in Him, and have greater access to these. That’s pretty amazing.
Make today a day practicing these abilities, so that you grow in Him. God bless you today!
Meritt Musings 