Be Strong and Courageous - Finding the Courage to Stand
 

by Wilson Adams

 

The first chapter of Joshua is one of my favorites. As God passes the baton of leadership from Moses to His new commander-in-chief, Joshua is challenged four times to "be strong and courageous" (vv. 6, 7, 9, 18). The work would not be easy, the difficulties daunting, and the obstacles potentially paralyzing. Lesser men would fail, but Joshua was not a lesser man. Some people think they are leaders, yet no one is following. I like what John Maxwell said: "A leader without followers is just taking a walk." And I would add...a lonely one at that. Joshua's faith, courage, and conviction inspired his people. Note their response to his leadership, "We will do... We will go... We will obey..." (1:16-17). He motivated an entire congregation to stand up and rise to the challenge. It is what courageous leaders do. The Great American Myth Those in foreign countries (who have seen too many American movies) conclude that we're a nation of rugged individualists. It's a myth! We are not a nation of individualists; we are a nation of conformists. In fact, we go to extreme lengths to keep from being different. After all, one of our greatest fears is to be ostracized, rejected, and put down by our peers. And so we cave to the [peer] pressure. It is easier that way. No one said living for Christ was going to be painless and pleasant. Jesus said the very opposite. He said unbelievers will "persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you" (Matt.5:11). He also made it clear that "if they hated Me, they will hate you" (John 15:18-19). Paul echoed the same when he said, "all who desire to live godly will be persecuted" (2 Tim.3:12). Note: it's not may be, but will be. And I'll let you in on a non-secret-the more convicted you are as a Christian, the more courage you are going to need. Connecting the Courage Dots Okay, it is time for a courage check. And rather than deal in obscure generalities that accomplish little (except to make us feel good), let's get real. Painfully real. Let's start with young people... Will you tell the interviewer that, as a Christian, it is very important for you to worship on Sunday? Will you stand up for Jesus among your friends and tell them that you've made a decision not to drink, go dancing, or dress provocatively? Will you read your Bible in public (you read other books in public)? Will you forgo a friend's invite to a Sunday ballgame because of your previous commitment to worship? Will you choose better friends if your current friends begin to weaken your standards? Will you de-friend from Facebook those taking God's name in vain? Will you speak up about a movie or music that devalues the values of Christ? Will you bow your head in a restaurant and quietly (and without show) thank God for your food? Will you promote abstinence when it comes to sexual activity? Will you be accountable, trustworthy, and respectful to your parents? Will you or won't you ... be strong and courageous when it comes to connecting the dots of courage? By the way, do you think peer pressure vanishes when you get older? Doesn't the same call for courage exist among the twenty-something, thirty-something, and beyond crowd? Sure it does. Will you speak up when someone says, "I hope you don't mind my language..." Will you find the courage to talk to a younger sister in Christ who dresses seductively? Will you find the courage to parent when your daughter pushes the envelope on her dress? Will you decline the invite to lunch at Hooters? Will you tell your neighbors that you would love to come over and watch the Sunday night game, but you can’t make it until later because you take your family to church? Will you be faithful to your spouse while on your business trip? Will you counsel your co-worker that cursing the unfair supervisor won't help the situation? Will you respond as a Christian when another employee got the credit, raise, or position when you suspect they stabbed you in the back? Will you speak up when the discussion concerns a TV show that you turned off because it was vulgar? Will you keep your cool when your neighbor loses his? I am not speaking about being obnoxious and purposefully offensive. I understand the time for silence, propriety, and common sense. I get that. But there is also a time to speak with courage. Paul said, "Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Cor.5:11a). That says literally, "to win over with words." Yes, sometimes we must speak up in order to stand up. Do you have that kind of courage? Three Courage Commitments to Make 1. I am responsible. There are times in life when no one is around-no parents, no mate, no other Christians. What then? Integrity is what you are when no one is looking. Do you have it? 2. I must not forget. It's easy to forget who we are. The day you became a Christian, you took the name of God's Son. It is a name you wear 24/7/365. Do not tarnish that name (1 Pet.4:16). 3. Jesus Christ sets my standard. Not the world. Not my business associates. Not my friends. I have given my life to Christ. He calls the shots. I don't know where you are today, but you will be tested before this day is over. Will you stand or cave? Will you find your voice of courage or will you cower? Be strong and courageous... ...for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). Pressing On E-Magazine, January 2012   Other Articles Garbage Trucks and Mouths An Inside Job The Relationship Between Truth and Emotion The Bible Versus Books About the Bible Let Me Not Wander Far From Your Commandments     For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com