Don’t Hold Back

By Kim Chaffin –

Growing up we spent a lot of time at our family cabin in Priest Lake, Idaho. My great grandfather had a vision of a place where generations in the future could come and relax. Since 1947, our family has been enjoying my great grandfather’s cabin. At times there have been four generations there.

My dad’s mom, “Honey” was famous for saying, “F H B”… Family Hold Back. That simply meant, we have extra people we did not plan for this meal and we need to be sure our guests leave satisfied. FHB was perfect in those situations but when it comes to the family of God, FHB is the opposite of what God wants for us.

As the body of Christ, the children of God, we cannot be holding anything back. God sent His son for ALL of us, not just a select group. Every one of us is called to be a disciple. All of us were called to pray, encourage, and live a life that reflects the love of Christ. I wish I knew why so many people go through life keeping their faith hidden. We should not be embarrassed to call ourselves believers or Christians. So what if someone thinks you are weird because you believe?

We need to be more concerned with what God thinks of us than what someone else thinks of us. The family of God cannot be in FHB mode so we avoid hearing the term “freak” or having someone say, “You’re a Christian?” with a tone full of disdain. So what if you take some ridicule for your beliefs? Christ was spit on and ridiculed, and crucified so you could be forgiven and have eternal life with Him.

God held nothing back. He gave his only son. Jesus gave his very own life. He did it of His own accord not because God told Him to do it. Jesus says it clearly in John 10:17-18

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father. (NIV)

I read a medical description of what Christ went through during His crucifixion and the pain was beyond anything I could imagine. Jesus willingly went through that pain and held nothing back because He loved us. There is such an abundance of love in what was done for us and we are guaranteed that it will never run out. My question is…if His love will never run out then why in the world, as the family of God, are we holding back?

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, hold nothing back. Live for Christ. Live for God. If company comes over for dinner then by all means FHB and let your guests go home full from a good meal. During dinner pour out abundantly the love of Christ on them and don’t hold back, there’s plenty for everyone.

Kim Chaffin is a wife of 25 years, mother of two, a writer, speaker and a sold out believer in Christ. She loves to use her writing to help others see God in day-to-day things that may seem mundane. Kim is the creator of Heartfelt Ramblings of a Midlife Domestic Goddess and is also a monthly contributor for the Whatever Girls Ministry. Websites: Heartfelt Ramblings of a Midlife Domestic Goddess® and The Whatever Girls