We are timid because we are fearful. We fear failure. We fear danger. We fear risk. We fear mistakes. But as Jesus' parable of the talents reminds us (Matthew 25:14-30), playing it safe out of fear in matters of faith is highly displeasing to God! Because the Holy Spirit is personally within us, because the Holy Spirit leads, guides, empowers, transforms, enables, inspires, directs, convicts, and blesses us, we must not be timid. The Spirit's influence is clearly seen in the release of spiritual power, the practice of loving fellowship and care, and the self-disciplined discipleship of Jesus' followers. Let's not be timid. Let's be bold in the areas where the Spirit is at work in our lives!