Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. –ESV

This verse is from the Bible so we must begin with the premise that it is true. But many times we look around and see what we perceive as righteous people cowering before an onslaught of evil bullies. I’m not talking about martyrs facing persecution. Even in this it is possible to be bold as a lion.

I’m referring to times when evil people have so corrupted morals that wicked people are bold and Christians are fleeing when no one pursues. Many see this as a type of era that precedes vast persecution. It’s happening frequently these days in civilized nations. I think it has something to do with two things:

First of all, there may be many in the church who simply are not righteous. And for that reason they are not bold. Perhaps they have constructed false doctrines to serve selfish desires, or they may blatantly sin in certain areas, simply hoping grace will cover it. Perhaps there has not been a foundation of repentance and an administration of the blood of Jesus. Their conscience is not clear. This is a big problem. 

The second option is, that a person may be righteous, covered by the blood of Jesus, anointed to do Kingdom work and is very effective. But the more effective they become, the greater a target they become for the enemy. They hear slanders whispered in their minds presenting them as unclean before God. In reality, the Word says they have been made righteous with the righteousness of Christ if they have accepted His atonement.

Both of these scenarios have created fearful, tame house-cats within the church rather than the lions we are called to be. Both cases warrant repentance. If we have a defiled conscience, let’s repent and be washed of our iniquities!

If we have believed the enemy’s whispers instead of the word of God, let’s repent of that as well! It is not a virtue to think less of ourselves than what we truly are. All lies come from the enemy—it is his native language. So if we believe we are unrighteous when we are not, we are honoring the voice of the enemy and debasing the God we long to serve and please. 

So let’s repent if necessary and receive the inheritance that is ours in Christ Jesus. If you are already walking with the boldness of a lion, then God bless you and continue in your boldness! If not, then make it a goal. Let’s make our lives match the truth in the word of God—through the power of the Holy Spirit!