5|11 Courage

Wilt thou be a hero or a coward?  
Thomas Carlyle

The answer to this simple question will surely define our lives. For instance, if we see a person bullying an innocent and helpless victim, will we be a hero or a coward? When we hear the wicked openly defending the "virtues" of their sin, will we be a hero or a coward? When someone uses our Lord's name in vain in our presence, will we be a hero or a coward? Or, when people try to use peer pressure to cajole us into doing the wrong thing, will we be a hero... or a coward?

Too often, we are tempted to look the other way when the innocent are bullied. We defend this despicable behavior by saying "it's none of our business", but the truth is that we are just afraid. How many times have we been in the presence of the truly wicked - those so bold that they defend their vile behavior - yet we say nothing out of fear of being looked at as politically incorrect or rude or insensitive? How many times have we stood mute, while the name of our Savior was reviled? How often have we simply gone along with the crowd in doing the wrong thing, for fear of being cast out of that crowd for being different?

I wonder sometimes how many innocent people have suffered or died, for the simple fact that righteous men lacked the courage to defend them? I wonder how much of a toll perversion takes on our society because men and women of faith just pretend that evil doesn't matter? I wonder how many times our Lord's name must be profaned because of those who wear that name having lacked the courage to be offended? I wonder how much longer God will put up with us if we continue to live as cowards, rather than heroes?

The fact is that being a Christian takes courage. It takes courage of conviction that God is indeed right and that those who would challenge Him are wrong. For too long, men have backed away from that which is right and have yielded to the courage of the wicked. If you have found yourself in such an untenable position, then it is time to do something about it: It is time to take a stand! I'm not talking about resorting to hatred or violence or to casting slurs. I'm simply talking about taking courage. Wilt thou be a hero... or a coward?

Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.  
 Hebrews 3:6, NIV