Audacity

Written by cycleguy on July 9th, 2012

I recently read a story that had me not just chuckling but laughing out loud.

It is a story about a young woman driving a small, red sports car who zipped in front of an elderly lady driving a big Mercedes, taking the parking spot for which the Mercedes driver had been waiting.  The elderly lady was really ticked but the young woman smiled and said, “That’s what happens when you’re young and quick.”

Then to the surprise of the young woman, the elderly lady backed up and aimed her Mercedes right at the sports car and crashed into it.  And then to the additional horror of the young woman, the elderly lady backed up and did it again.  The young woman was livid.  The elderly lady rolled down her window and said with a smile, “That’s what happens when you’re old and rich.” 

Ain’t that a hoot?  I can picture it!  Can’t you?  I would call that audacity.  Other words come to mind for sure.  But audacity rings for me.

Frankly, I believe God could use a few audacious followers.  Not the kind who break the rules (unless they are man-made religious ones), but the kind who will take audacious risks.  Those who will step out and be bold.  Those who won’t settle for the status quo. Those who don’t just want to be fans.  He wants disciples.  Here is how Bob Goff put it:

I used to think being a believer was enough, but now I know Jesus wants us to participate, no matter what condition we’re in.

For far too long we have been sitting by and watching a select few do the work.  Sometimes we stand and twiddle our thumbs. Sometimes we do the unthinkable: criticize those who are at least trying.

I. PERSONALLY. BELIEVE. GOD. WANTS. US. TO. BE. AUDACIOUS!

May I say this as kindly as possible?  I think God is sick and tired of us being sick and tired.  Way back in the 50s (yeah I know that is way back and long before most of your time) there was a song that said, “Standin’ on the corner watchin’ all the girls go by.”   I wonder if those words can be said about many who call themselves Christians: “Standin’ on the corner watchin’ all the world go by.”

Think about this: “it wasn’t the size of the crowd Jesus cared about; it was their level of commitment.”  That statement is from not a fan by Kyle Idleman (which we are doing this fall). Are you willing to do audacious things for God?  Do you see yourself as a fan or a participant?   I’d like to hear your thoughts. 

This post is part of my ongoing series based on Love Does by Bob Goff.  Join me?

 

37 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    Great story. I have had seasons in the past where I was helping to pull the wagon as it were. For a while I have been struggling mentally and have been going along for the ride. Perhaps that is to be expected of all of us.

    • cycleguy says:

      We all go through seasons that stretch us in different ways: mentally, socially, spiritually, etc. Maybe this has been a time of taking a break from pulling. Soon He may call you back to pulling. Praying.

    • Susan says:

      I understand that, Daniel. I was being pulled in the wagon for several years. I’m thankful that I am in a church where people understand that a broken person needs support, not condemnation for not carrying their share of the load. Praying for you for healing and peace.

  2. Jan says:

    I definitely like the description of the book, very intriguing. The short video was very good too. I suspect reading this book is going to open some eyes. I’ll have to get this & prepare to have my eyes opened! I want to be a true disciple for Jesus, I just pray I am open & willing to participate where/when He leads me. 🙂

    • cycleguy says:

      I look forward to seeing what it will mean to our church community. How it will change us. I would still read Love Does first. 🙂

  3. Zee says:

    I need to work on that. It’s only too natural for me to be an observer, but you’re right, only being an observer would not do any good.

    Good 2×4….

  4. There’s a good example of that scene you describe in the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes.
    I agree. Too many of us are content with getting our fire insurance and showing up at church. But how are we living our faith out? How is His love being demonstrated through us? How are we loving each other and others?

  5. Susan says:

    You will know where I am coming from, Bill, when you read this. One of the hardest things for me, and some others that I know, is to wait for clear direction. I have come to love Milton’s sonnet on his blindness. Especially the last line.

    WHEN I consider how my light is spent
    E’re half my days, in this dark world and wide,
    And that one Talent which is death to hide,
    Lodg’d with me useless, though my Soul more bent
    To serve therewith my Maker, and present
    My true account, lest he returning chide,
    Doth God exact day-labour, light deny’d,
    I fondly ask; But patience to prevent
    That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need
    Either man’s work or his own gifts, who best
    Bear his milde yoak, they serve him best, his State
    Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
    And post o’re Land and Ocean without rest:
    They also serve who only stand and waite.

    • cycleguy says:

      Waiting is hard stuff Susan. Is Milton saying it is good to stand and wait and while doing so we serve? I confess not familiar with it. So help me out please! 😛

      • Susan says:

        >nerd alert< – as I understand this.

        Milton began losing his sight at a young age – like 22 I think. He had a writing gift, and he was wondering how he could serve God with his writing if he could not see to write. He then realizes that God does not need our work or our gifts. There are many ways that people may serve God, and concludes that stand before God waiting for direction are also serving. I get a picture of a king with courtiers waiting before his throne for his commands. They are serving by being available even though they may not have a specific thing to “do” for the king.

        Okay, overkill, I’m sure.

  6. Craig says:

    hahaha that is some funny stuff right there. Totally agree. God wants some audacious people in some audacious churches praying audacious prayers. Great thoughts today Bill.

  7. Steve Martin says:

    I do believe God wants us to get out there and speak of Him.

    It’s not an easy task, but He is Old and Rich and has given us use of His Mercedes.

  8. The story is actually a representation of our young people today, a lack of respect for your elders. The response of the older lady was the effect of being disrespected for once to much. It is a big problem in our country and churches today. The young people pushing the older, wiser people out.

    As for audacity – they both displayed bold moves out to hurt the other, not to display the glory of God. God does want us to step up and bold move his word to those who have not heard it and He wants us to serve the church and community boldly representing Him and his cause. You are right, there are too many people sitting on the sidelines waiting for someone else to step forward to do the task at hand and it is always the same people who step up. I would say, in our church, it is the same 5% of the church family that carries the brunt of the load. In fact it is starting to drop because they are starting to burn out, as most of us are in our late 60’s.

    You, at 59, probably see the same thing in your church. The question is how do we motivate the younger people to want to serve rather than sit on the sidelines observing?

    Walk daily with God at your side!

    Have a great day Bill.

    Ed

    • cycleguy says:

      Although I wasn’t analyzing it that way, I would say it is correct in part. I also think older folks need to learn to respect the younger ones also. (Covered in your second paragraph). we have so much to learn from each other.

    • Zee says:

      Edwin – considering that I’ve been sort of in-between the age groups (I can easily talk with those who are older – even those much older than me – as well as those who are younger), the problem is on both sides. (Even over here, in Ukraine where I live.)

      The young indeed don’t value the experience of the older people and don’t show well-deserved respect (at least for the age), but on the other hand, the older people don’t really respect youngsters either, seeing them as still kids and therefore not really capable of doing anything. Both groups need to learn to listen to each other because balance is very important. Young people have the energy, but older people have the wisdom. There are things both groups can learn.

      I was blessed with my family who have taught me to respect young and old from the time I was a kid, but I guess it doesn’t come naturally to others… *shrug*

      • cycleguy says:

        Well said Zee. You have been blessed beyond measure with that loving family. 🙂

      • Being raised on an Indian Reservation, I was taught from birth to respect my elders and learned that mutual respect is required for a nation to survive. Unfortunately not all people teach their children these lessons and. Both the church and the country is suffering because of it.
        I applaud you, Zee, for you have learned from an early age to value of respect for all people. You are truly blessed to have such a loving family.
        Walk in peace young lady!

        Ed. ♥

  9. tcavey says:

    I feel God calling us to be like this. I agree that He is sick and tired of how we are acting- I’m sick and tired of it myself. I see so many Christians, so much talent…sitting in a pew gathering dust.
    Jesus was bold! Jesus was active!
    Why should we be any different?

  10. floyd says:

    I’ve often had the urge to “ram” someone in traffic…

    The Christians who are scared to say anything because they are uncomfortable with what someones thinks is missing the point. Only what God thinks is important, everything takes care of itself.

    One of my old work out partners is a pastor. I learned just how to speak for God in love and strength by this dear brother, I’ve never been the same since…

  11. To love like the Father is to SEE like the Father…and act like the Father. Not easiely done but that’s what the world needs to come to Him. Thanks Bill!

  12. Bill,
    Great post today! It generated a great conversation.

    Thanks,

    Ed

  13. I don’t remember who said it, but one minister said that faith is spelled “R.I.S.K.” God really is after a bold compassion and love. If you look at the parable of the talents, everyone was rewarded except the one who refused to step out. They didn’t want to risk it, but that was unthinkable to the Master. God has given us quite the example of radical faith, love, and obedience to follow. Grace is meant to move us to that rhythm. Thanks Bill.

  14. Tom says:

    Another great post Bill…I picked a bad week for vacation, ha! Not that all your weeks are great but you are hitting me hard with this and once again speaking to that small voice within me that has been compelling me to be audacious and be who He is calling me to be…thanks!