Christian Courage
Our church has been going through a series on the book of Philippians. This past Sunday focused on Philippians 2:12-18. These are six power-packed verses for Christian living. In verses 12 and 13, Paul encourages Christians to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling.” That exhortation is predicated upon a key word in verse 12: Obedience.
Paul was encouraging the church to continue in their obedience to the Lord. When we work out our salvation, it is a partnership with the Lord for our own growth in character and holiness. However, it doesn’t stop there. We are also called to effect change in the world and social circles around us. This is a very challenging and often messy thing because it deals with relationships. Relationships are messy. In addition, we also deal with our own flesh, as we are trying to condition our bodies and minds to operate in line with the teachings of scripture and the new nature we have in Jesus. Addressing the areas in our own lives as well as in the lives of those around us requires a great deal of courage. Especially in a culture where individualism and self-expression is celebrated, so long as it isn’t a self-expression of Christianity.
Courageous Example #1: Physical Violence/Abuse
In the 1960s a woman named Kitty Genovese was murdered in the hallway of her apartment complex. About 12 people witnessed part of the attack. Many assumed it was either a couple drunk friends arguing or a domestic argument and did nothing. Kitty was stabbed multiple times. The police were eventually called and arrived as she was nearly dead.
This is an extreme case of physical violence, yet it is important for popularizing the phrase “bystander effect.” The bystander effect posits that the more people are present during a wrong action, they assume someone else will do the right thing. Thus, no one does anything.
The first example for Christian Courage is to not play into the bystander effect. If we see physical violence going on, we are called to do something about it. We may or may not be in a physical condition to intervene. If we are, we should do something about it. If we are not, then calling the authorities to the scene is the best course of action.
If we don’t act, then we are letting a weaker person suffer at the hands of a stronger oppressor. We are allowing a victim to be victimized. It is a Christian’s place to have a hand in correcting wrongs. Physical violence/abuse is the most drastic approach. Many of us will never have to deal with physical violence. However, if we do witness it, it is our place to address it, either personally or by notifying authorities. Doing nothing is not an option.
Courageous Example #2: Standing for our Faith in a Contrary Culture
The culture in America has been trending against Christian principles and personal responsibility. However, that is no excuse for us to shy away from what we believe. There is a strong moral code in Christianity that has been clear for centuries. In addition to a strong moral code, there is also a call for faithfulness of character and devotion to Jesus. There is no eternal profit for a person who only acts morally, but whose heart is un-transformed. Christians are not called to simply have experiential moments in their faith. There is a very clear expectation to be engaged mentally, rationally, and physically in addition to emotionally.
Deuteronomy 6 and the Gospels both declare the non-negotiable foundation to the Christian faith: “Hear Oh, Israel, the Lord your God is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul.”
Our mental energies and concentrations are to be put to use in pursuing and knowing the things of God. We read the Bible. We pray the Bible. We force our actions to be in line with the Bible. We meditate on the Bible and act out of its instruction. We also speak out of its instruction.
There is a very important element in terms of our belief in the scriptures. That element is “understanding.” It is one thing to simply “do” what we see the scriptures telling us. However, when it comes to sharing our faith with others, it is very important for us to understand “why” we believe what we believe. In a world where it is en vogue to criticize Christian living and principles, we are all exhorted to “give an account for our faith,” as Peter instructed. We don’t all need to go study Greek and Hebrew to understand the why of our faith. We simply need to engage with scripture and willingly ask about the difficult things in it: both difficult to “do” and to “understand.”
When we understand why we believe what we believe, we are better able to give an account for our faith. Having that understanding shows others that we have thought and reasoned through our beliefs. That it isn’t founded on a superstition, but understanding. It proves that our faith is important enough to force our minds, hearts, and bodies to embrace it.
Courageous Example #3: Grow in Healthy Relationships with Others
At the end of the day, the Gospel is not simply fire insurance, a means to escape Hell. Nor is it about the luxuries of heaven. The Gospel is about right relationship. Right relationship means a healthy relationship. We get our lives right with God. That helps us get our lives right with others.
There is a common term now that deals with unhealthy relationships: Toxic Relationships. A toxic relationship is one that perpetuates emotional pain. Toxic relationships are destructive to people’s physical, financial, and emotional well-being. Toxic relationships can be with friends, family members, parents, spouses, etc. The goal for someone in Christ is to eliminate toxic relationships. Sometimes that requires ending the relationship. Other times it requires eliminating the toxic behaviors.
Any time there is a feeling of manipulation, coercion, shame, guilt from someone, those are signs of toxicity. The details for unhealthy relationships are actually very extant. For more information on dealing with unhealthy relationships, I recommend “Keep Your Love On,” by Danny Silk.
It takes a lot of courage to end an unhealthy relationship. Feelings will get hurt. People may even threaten physical violence to you or to themselves. We cannot afford to let those relationships rule our lives. It is hard. In a sense, it is like we are dying to those relationships. That is how scripture describes ending the ungodly presences in our lives. We are “dead to sin.” That involves the sinful nature in ourselves. It also involves the toxicity in our relationships. We are “born again” spiritually. That rebirth extends into our relationships. It is both a matter of holy moral living, and holy healthy relational living.
What are some ways the Lord is calling you to be courageous? How can you grow in being courageous? It would be worthwhile to come before the Lord and use your mind and soul to explore courage in the presence of God.