Courage To Face Your Fears (Part II)
THE COURAGE TO DIFFER
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1Jn.4:18). In Christianity, no one is forced against his beliefs, desire or convictions to wear a suicide vest to kill himself and others. We will all be required to give account of our actions and words. No excuses as “he made me do it” will be entertained.
Each one will be held to the high standards of your sanctified conscience. That is one reason Jesus said, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist”(Luke 21:15). Meaning, even in a hostile environment we will be empowered to speak freely as we should. Such is the boldness and courage we were promised, especially when testifying of the saving grace of the Master.
That said, it is no mean task saying “no” to those we love, to disagree respectfully or to confront those we respect. Nevertheless, God expects us to lovingly speak up for what is right in the lives of those dearest to us. As you read this, my dear friend, I’m sure you have some very close friends or relations, spouses or even employees God is waiting on you to confront lovingly about some bad habit or language, character defect, sinful acts or misbehavior. What is needed may just be a gentle rebuke or a simple correction done in love, but your lack of courage to face that intimidating fear may jeopardize everything. Sometimes, we are the ONLY voice of God they will hear!
Nathan’s assignment to confront David with his indiscretion concerning Bathsheba must have been a tough one (2Sam.12:1-14), but his obedience saved the life of his ‘friend’. I wonder whose life is in danger even as you are reading this as a result of your ‘cowardice’. Again, there are some people only you can reach, and the Lord is counting on you not to fail Him! Prov.27:6 -Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. So, be a friend first and foremost. I am sure Simon Peter did not feel that threatened even after that friendly but firm rebuke – “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”(Matt.16:23), because the Master has taken time to demonstrate His love to him.
My dear Partner, one of the challenges of true Christianity is to be a light to the world. That is not just a mere statement; it is a calling – God’s expectation for each of His children. And how would you know if you are truly the ‘light’? The test is simple – sinful people and those living a life of compromise will not be comfortable around you. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (Jn 3:20-21).
I therefore charge you “in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate” to be filled with courage and boldness to live above every fear or intimidation, and be the light to your world without any apology. That way, you’ll be a great witness of the “True Light”.
