There’s something very attractive about boldness, a living at the edge, free from external constraint.

Are these good examples of boldness?

• Facing personal fears (like rejection, guilt, shame)
• Speaking truth to God, self, and others no matter what
• Declaring undying love -- expressing extravagant, sacrificial, selfless love
• Believing you’re right when most think you’re wrong; and admitting when you’re wrong to others when you know you are wrong
• Forgiving the unthinkable
• Dealing aggressively with personal sin, getting it into the light
• Standing tall in the face of persecution

It’s a resounding “YES!” to all these!

Jesus’s first disciples were bold in every way like the list above. What made them and kept them this way? Their boldness was anchored in five pillars of understanding. Let’s take a closer look.

KNOW THE GREATEST STORY. They confidently knew the greatest story in the world. His story became theirs too. They valued it, embraced it and declared it boldly.

Knowing the greatest story ever makes one bold (Acts 3:11-26).

KNOW THE SCRIPTURES. They dedicated themselves to know the Word and apply it to their daily lives and conversations. It was in them. It became part of them.

Knowing the Bible makes one bold (Acts 3:11-26).

KNOW THE ONLY WAY OUT. They knew the only way to real, eternal salvation -- Jesus. No one else. Nothing else.

Knowing the only way out makes one compassionately bold (Acts 4:12).

KNOW LIFE-GIVING POWER. (Acts 4:10, Acts 4:14) They discovered the One who holds the keys to power at the highest level -- to resurrection power. That One can resurrect us from anything. That One brings life and gives life -- real life, eternal life, life to the fullest.

Knowing life-giving power makes one bold (John 10:10).

KNOW GOD PERSONALLY. They couldn’t help but speak and move with bold authority because they experienced God personally. They had been with Him … and it became so obvious to others even though Jesus had already departed.

Knowing God personally makes one bold (Acts 4:13, Acts 4:20).

Reflect: How well do you know the greatest story in the world? Do you know it well enough to share it well? Are you committed to knowing God personally, not just knowing about Him?

Run with Jesus, and He’ll make you as bold and confident as you need to be!

A prayer to consider: LORD Jesus, as I see You well, I know that my boldness index for everything good and right will rise. Help me to keep getting to know You personally.

May I know Your story, Your Word, Your life-giving power. May I proclaim You as the only real way up and out. O, may others see You coming when they see me, for Your glory and my joy and boldness in You. Amen.