Courage is the confidence to act in accordance with one’s beliefs – persevering and persisting against all odds with bravery and moral strength. Courage is a companion to choice. First, we make the choice, then we need the courage to pursue the choice. Those of us who have been on the “spiritual pathway” for many years can attest to the significance of being a courageous person for Jesus Christ, especially in this sin defiled world. How else can we live victoriously for Christ who “died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). And, who is now seated at the right hand of God the Father as our intercessor and advocate.
In his charge to Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Note: “a spirit of power” and “do not be ashamed” Paul’s charge to Timothy is applicable to us right now in this church age. We have the reliable God-given power and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
Many times it is not so much what we are doing, but rather what we are not doing that really matters. Consider for a moment those who have even risked their lives for the sake of the gospel of God’s grace, especially in countries that are hostile to the God of the Bible. In some places christians are relentlessly persecuted for their faith. Some have even gone “underground” for fear of not being allowed to practice their faith in the open. Yet, these christians defy the odds and continue to worship the God of heaven.
In the christian life and service, christians should be wholly dedicated for the purpose and glory of God. Paul wrote, “I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2).
Courage also means defying the odds; pressing towards the goal and taking a stand for “those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1). A noteworthy example of great courage is recorded in the Bible and it is about Daniel’s “purpose of heart.” We read, “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s food. Nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8). This was Daniel’s resolve and notice where it all began, he “purposed in his heart.” This is courage. The “heart” here refers to our “innermost being” – the seat of our understanding. The real you and me. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Some of us seem to “purpose in our heads” where pending action remains and somehow never takes the long circuitous journey to our hearts. The Bible says, “For the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Further reading of Daniel’s prophecy indicates that his courage paid off in the end because he did not compromise his conscience. The same will be true of us today if Daniel’s courage is our motivation.