“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7

What have we to do timid about? Why are we shy about ourselves? Perhaps we hide because of unsureness about the support and power that is available to us?

As a Christian, the power of God resides in us, as the Holy Spirit of God dwells within our souls. We are alive to God and vibrant with spiritual life. Our bodies may be tired, but we increase in vigour in Christ as the days go by. We love Him more and His holy Word. As we read and meditate on the Word and let it infiltrate our minds and hearts, we have increasing self-control and we exercise the power of God in submission and conformity to His will for us.

Love is our defining feature in our lives, primarily love for God and also love for sisters and brothers in Christ. We see those not in the kingdom as lost without a Saviour, and seek to tell them the good news about salvation and a new life in Christ. Love shows itself as less and less of self and a growing likeness to Christ. Love subdues itself and sets up the other for the good of the person and the benefit of their souls. Love is not selfish, but kind, forgiving and generous. All this is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian.

We bring all that we are under subjection to Christ. No one else can be trusted to guard our hearts and minds and bring us safe to the home in heaven. This is our destiny as Christians people, and we rejoice with singing at His kindness toward us and His majesty and power that keeps us. We set straight paths for our feet, so that we walk a life of self-control and faith in the only Saviour…