Be of Good Courage
Scripture Philippians 1:18b-21
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for
I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as
it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that
with full courage
now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.[1]
Devotion
The church today has a
fear problem. We are intimidated by the world, and it leads to the church
hiding its light and salt. We are afraid to speak out on issues for fear of
rejection by the world. Paul in our scripture today is a living example of a
Christian who is sold out to the message of the gospel and is not afraid of
even death. For as he notes “to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
We are called to resist
the world, flesh, and the devil by the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Our resistance may not lead to our death, But it may lead to ridicule or
persecution for our beliefs. It may lead to the loss of friendships in the
world. However, our savior is clear we are to take up our crosses and follow
him no matter where he leads us. We must be ready to sacrifice our comfort and
ease for the way of the cross following Jesus wherever he leads us. No matter
the difficulties we may encounter.
Paul states he is
confident whether in death or life he will be a conqueror for Jesus’ sake. So
should we approach the world witnessing for the gospel no matter the cost to
us. Our testimony must not be harsh or argumentative for as Peter says in 1
Peter 3:15 “15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always
being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the
hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
The world is getting
less and less tolerant of the Christian message. It seems that everyday those
who believe that the Bible as the true word of God are subjected to ridicule
and retaliation. Whether it be that we are dragged before a court of law to
defend our beliefs or simply told our views are no longer welcome at our places
of employment.
We must hold this in
perspective we are not persecuted to the extent that believers in other parts
of the world are persecuted. We are not called yet to the shedding of our blood
for the sake of the cross. We should take courage then in our saviors’ words “I
will be with you to the end of the age.” If God is for us, who are we to fear
anything if we live our lives according to his Holy Word and obey the Holy
Spirit’s promptings in our lives. We need not fear what people will think or
say about us. We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous
who will defend us against the enemies’ accusations. May we live each day
knowing that God holds us in the palm of his hands and seeks our salvation and
vindication before the Father on the throne. Let us pray for God to be with us
as we seek to live a Christ-centered life.
Prayer
Holy Father we thank you for your watchful care over us. Even if we
are made to feel unwanted because of our faith in Jesus. Help us to be faithful
to the life that we are called to live in Christ. May the world see the exemplary
life that we live and be drawn to Christ’s life of discipleship. Help us to
always be prepared to give a defense for the faith that lies within us.
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