The phrase "come out of your shell" is an idiom that refers to the need to overcome one's shyness and timidity and become more confident, outgoing, and enthusiastic. While this comes easy for someone who is an extravert, it can be a terrifying thing for an introverted person.

While introverts may prefer to blend in with the background, Christians can't always remain unheard and unseen. There are times when our faith will call upon us to step out of our comfort zone. For instance, making a public confession of one's faith is essential (Matt. 10:32-33), but it can be an extremely uncomfortable thing for a shy person. We are to be the "light of the world," which requires us to do works openly so that others will see our light (Matt. 5:14-16).

There are men and women in the Bible who were told to come out of their shells. These examples give us many of us encouragement to overcome our shyness and manifest our faith in an outward manner.

Moses was a meek and humble individual (Num. 12:3). Upon fleeing Egypt, Moses settled comfortable into the life of a shepherd, and spent forty years in this lonely vocation. When God called him to return to Egypt and address Pharaoh, he tried several ways to get out of this responsibility (Ex. 3:11-4:17). God did not accept any of his excuses. Moses reluctantly came out of his shell, went to Egypt, and became the great deliverer of God's people.

Esther was situated very comfortably in the King's palace when her people needed deliverance. A decree had gone out that called for the annihilation of the Jews (Esther 3:12-15). Esther's cousin, Mordecai, called upon her to use her position and influence to save her people. At first, Esther refused, stating that such an action could result in her death. Mordecai motivated Esther with his well-know reply: "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (4:14). Esther found her courage, came out of her shell, and delivered her people.

Timothy was a trusted companion of the great apostle Paul. We know Paul was very bold and courageous. However, there is some evidence that Timothy was timid. The letters addressed to this young evangelist repeatedly call upon him to set aside his fears and take on his responsibilities as an evangelist. Consider the admonitions: "Let no one despise your youth" (1 Tim. 4:12). "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (6:12). "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God" (2 Tim. 1:7-8). "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2:1). If there was any timidity on the part of Timothy, the letters bearing his name certainly call upon him to come out of his shell and do his work with courage and confidence.

Not everyone is an extrovert. Not everyone is comfortable taking the lead and being in the public eye. That is ok. God has made every one of us with our unique abilities and aptitudes. There is a place for introverts in the work of the Lord. However, just as there are times when the extrovert will need to step back and humbly take on a more quiet role, there will also be times when the introvert's faith will call upon him to step out of his comfort zone.

Let us all be willing to come out of our shells and serve the Lord.