I stood in the dark arena waiting on something to happen. The hesitant optimism of about 8,000 men rustled through the auditorium waiting on the curtain to drop. Suddenly the stage lit up with one snappy video loop after another that brought all 8,000 men to their feet. In an instant, a flash of light whipped across the arena and the praised band roared through the speakers. The murmur became a loud chorus of men singing praises to God.

My first arena sized men’s worship event took place several years ago. I’ll never forget the energy, the electric feeling of one community all raising their voices to praise God for His grace. I had never experienced worship in such an awesome way.

At that time in my life, I was rather reserved with my faith and walked very quietly as a Christian man outside of the church. I didn’t want to make waves or create a fuss as I experienced the world behind a mask. I had convinced myself that I was being humble… when in fact I was ashamed of my faith in the world outside of my church.

During the course of this arena event… I stood, watched, and took it all in. But I’ll never forget one specific image that impacted me more than any speaker, song, or study during those two powerful days. I was transfixed on this guy about 8 rows in front of me. He was a big, burly, man’s man. The kind that you look at and think… he’s not going to get this… you know the type.

As the music and praise continued… I watched this man raise his hands to God in an act of surrender… his head looks up… eyes closed… and singing. I was wrong about him. He didn’t care who was next to him, who was looking at him, or what anyone thought. He was giving his life to God in an act of complete worship. It was authentic.

This image has never left my mind. I remember staring at him and wondering why I was ashamed to praise God with my WHOLE life. In fact, “shame” is what I should feel for not honoring God with my life wide out in the open. I usually could care less about what someone else thinks about me… but my faith life was secret. Until this event.

I never told this man how he impacted me. I have no idea who he is or where he is now… but I am thankful for him and his boldness.

God can use each of us in such amazing ways to show himself to others. There is no requirement to be a superchristian with all the right words. In fact, just being yourself and being bold about your faith in God will bring honor to Him. Live a life that shows faith on the outside… and God will point the eyes toward you. Raising hands and signing isn’t the way all the time or for everyone… but in that moment, it was what I needed to see and understand.

I want to be a man that stands in the town square with head thrown back, eyes toward heaven, arms raised, and all in. I could care less what others think about me… but I do care how God can use this passion for Him as an image for others to know Him. What an honor.

I pray that we all live a shameless life that honors God full on in the great wide open…. and we should never back down. Live Bold brothers… there are quiet Christians everywhere looking for ways to break out.

Peace,
Greg Arnold
Acts 4:31
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