Christian Living

Be Courageous

by Stephen Kimball 
10/07/21
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One of the greatest gifts God has given us is our sense of curiosity. Children are the most curious and willing to explore because they have yet to feel the sting of defeat or humiliation. They have a sense of wonder that makes each new day an unspoiled opportunity for adventure. Children are fearless until they grow up. With age comes the crucible of experience, which holds the blend of our uncertainties. Turning away from opportunities because we doubt our abilities to endure their challenges, self-doubt becomes reality as we slowly drift into the slumber of hesitancy. Timidity becomes the norm and the thrill of life is washed from our character. (1) But it doesn't have to be that way.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

It is your character that provides the skeleton of strength and values that make up who you become in this life and that will be passed on to generations that follow you. Just as the spine gives structure and support to the body, courage is the virtue that supports and bolsters all others. It lends the fortitude and determination to live out the other virtues that go into building a person's character.

Spiritually speaking, courage is the thing that we need in order to be agents of God's light and truth in this dark world. It produces perseverance and is the catalyst for personal growth through pain, suffering, difficulties, and all trials of life. It's what allows us to live what we believe in the face of resistance or persecution and say "no" to temptation. It is the thing that allows us to take risks, make sacrifices - to be unselfish with our time, treasure and talents. Courage allows us to love. We find courage deep inside, often ignoring emotion. It's the place in us where feeling and thoughts wrestle and heat up to the point of taking action.

On the other hand, the Bible calls out cowardice or fear as sin (Rev. 21:8). It destroys, like termites in your home it will quietly eat away at the foundation of your life. We are told throughout scripture to be "strong and courageous"; to "fear not". Courage, or the lack of it, is a serious issue with God. God, by the Holy Spirit, will empower where He leads. So, give the Spirit more authority than you do your fears. I encourage you, from this day forward, to give the highest regard to strengthening this all-important virtue. Practice it often; try new things; tackle your fears.

1)Brian Passe "Courage" 7-22-14, Faithwriters - http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=170495