Courage and Cowardice.

The world is replete with examples of both, far too numerous to mention. We recall the courageous actions of Mahatma Gandhi who led India to independence from Great Britain through his commitment to non-violence and civil disobedience. We recoil in horror over the cowardly actions of Benito Mussolini who led Italy into World War II and then abandoned his people when defeat was upon him. 

The Bible also gives us many examples. In nearly every example of courage in the Bible, the saint was facing overwhelming odds against success and certain death if they failed. We recall the thrilling stories of David defiantly standing before Goliath. There is Daniel who refused to obey the King’s command to not worship any god except the King. There are also many tragic stories of cowardice, involving both saints and their adversaries. We recall Jonah running away from God when he was commanded to preach repentance to Nineveh. There is Peter denying knowing the Lord Jesus Christ three times. 

He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he who loses courage loses all.

Miguel de Cervantes

Success is never final and failure is never fatal: It’s courage that counts.

Anonymous

These two quotations are a stern reminder that the history of the world abounds with stories of both courage and cowardice. The Bible also warns us of the importance of standing strong in courage and not collapsing in cowardice.

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)

Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” 

Revelation 21:6-8 (NASB)

God honors the courageous and despises the cowardly. God groups the cowardly with abject sinners like murderers, sorcerers, and liars. Why? By choosing this path, they have deliberately turned their back on God’s promises to strengthen and support them. They have forgotten His promise to never fail or forsake us, no matter the opposition we face.

The many stories of saints who remained steadfast in courage or collapsed in cowardice are a sobering reminder to all who place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Stand firm in your faith!

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.