Being Strong and Courageous

Being Strong and Courageous
“Be strong and courageous . . . .” Deuteronomy 31:6

What does it look like for you, as a spiritual leader in the 21st Century, to be strong and courageous? The tendency, even in spiritual circles, is to establish a template and see how you fit. It is good to fight against this tendency. Every time you measure yourself against a template you leave out the role of The Holy Spirit. Every time you leave out The Holy Spirit you distance yourself in relationship from Christ. What are the living standards against which you can measure your strength and courage?

Perhaps the foundational standard is that declared in 1 Corinthians 15:58. After Paul’s “death is swallowed up in victory” speech he says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” The strong and courageous in the Lord know Him, abide in Him and toil in His Kingdom without regard for temporal measurements. The reward you receive on this side of heaven is the relationship you have in Him. Even as the world toils to convince you that your life is being wasted, with eyes fixed on Jesus, you know the opposite is True. There is no wasted effort in Christ.

Being steadfast and immovable requires living the principles of scripture in an environment that is hostile to Christ for the world hates Him (John3:20, John 7:7[1]). There are multitudes of principles that fly in the face of modern society. Issues of life and death, procreation, self concept, the role and definition of family, the role of and relationship of God and man, sexuality, work, recreation, wealth and the environment to mention only a few. God speaks to each of these and those willing to live by and teach His viewpoint will be scorned, belittled and attacked by those who just don’t want to hear it.

Living the principles of scripture means both knowing the principles and personally applying them in everyday life, emulating Christ. Too often people try to apply biblical principles to others which they themselves have not yet applied to their own life. The Truth is, personally living the principles of scripture is often witness enough to get you into trouble with the world.

Living the principles of scripture means walking by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7[2]). When the Bible and culture conflict it takes strength and courage to stand up and proclaim the inerrant Truth of scripture. When it appears the walk of faith is having only negative effects, it takes strength and courage to continue in the knowledge that there is no wasted effort in Christ.

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.
You can reach him at Richard@GrowLeaders.org.

[1] John 3:20 "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
John 7:7 "The world cannot hate you; but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil.”
[2] 2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight —