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Don't be a Coward



In his letter to William Smith, dated July 9, 1795, Edmund Burke wrote, ““The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” He would later expound on his thoughts by writing, “When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.”

In this current year of chaos with pandemic health issues, racial tensions, anarchy, and the rise of anger, hate and destruction, I am not surprised. Why? As Jeremiah 17:9 declares, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.  Who really knows how bad it is?”

What does surprise me is the deafening silence coming from the majority of us who are Christians, who know better, can see the difference between right and wrong, and yet have no compulsion or conviction to really be motivated enough to do something about it. 

That, by definition, could be one of the meanings of a coward. By definition, a coward is one who “lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things.” The Bible does not have a very hopeful outlook for those who are cowards. 

In fact, Revelation 21:8, states, “…But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Jesus apparently was quite disappointed with his disciples when they succumbed to being cowardly. Matthew 8:26 and Mark 4:40, we hear Jesus sternly asking, “Why were you afraid? Don’t you have any faith?” The allusion to what Jesus is saying is literally “Why are you acting like cowards, you of little faith.”

Don’t you find it rather unique that in Revelation 21:8 being a coward is mentioned first amongst a list of vices such as the unbelieving, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcery (practice of magic arts), idolaters and liars? 

Must be pretty serious! Yes, indeed! In fact, in the days of Jesus (and Greek world) to be a coward was considered to be the equivalent to a person living their life in general moral degradation (squalor/humiliation). So, yes….it’s bad…real bad!

The last thing a Christian needs to be is a coward who falls away in the face of testing and confrontation. Cowards who so easily bend their wills to their oppressors. It is shameful that someone claiming to be a Christian would buckle at the knees when challenged by persecution that they would be pressured enough to “shut-up, pack up, close down and go home.”

The COVID-19 Pandemic has been the most awesome opportunity to stand up, speak up, and speak out than ever before. Social media platforms, alone, have provided a golden opportunity to get outside of the walls of our nearly-closed Church buildings.

Many, sadly, were cowards and allowed the executive orders, fear, and pandering to be their “excuse” to shut down, shut up, and do nothing. Despite the “stay at home” orders, we all still had many chances and openings to do something. For me, doing something is better than doing nothing at all. Yet, many still choose “nothing” over “something.”

Christianity is not for cowards. Christianity is not for the weak. Even the great British Theologian, C.S. Lewis wrote, “I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”

Christianity is, by far, not for the fainthearted. It is tough. It requires much (actually our “all”). It requires bravery and the ability to overcome, persevere and be ever resilient. Mark 13:13 is pretty clear that “Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” We can’t be cowards. Stand strong. Stand firm.

God warned John (author of Revelation) that cowards would spend a godless eternity in Hell. Why so harsh? It is harsh because of what cowards were guilty of doing….they abandoned His Son, Jesus, because of threats, fear, persecution and hatred towards them. It is sad, yet sickening, that Christians would fear persecution so badly that they would choose temporary personal safety over eternal life with God.

Following Jesus requires boldness, faith, trust and Holy Spirit indwelled bravery to stand for Him when oppression occurs. We must do what is right, stay the course, and stand firm on the Truth no matter the amount of pressure we face.  Now is not the time to be cowards.

So, here is some good news! The book of Revelation ends with an offer in Revelation 22:17, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” The Holy Spirit and the Bride (the Church), extend the invitation to the entire world to come to Jesus!

We don’t have to cower and fear because of what is going on in the world today! We can be brave, bold, and daring people of God (the Church) when we are fully submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Father, Almighty God, wants you to come to know His Son, Jesus, personally and experience the true joy of salvation. Are you thirsting for a better life? Are you parched for meaning in this world? Then accept the invitation to have a loving, personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus invites all of us to come and drink of the water of life for spiritual renewal.

Remember, salvation is not earned, but given freely to you by God…if you want it. This evil world is desperately thirsty for living water, and many are dying of thirst. It’s not too late to accept this free gift as you read this….but one day, it will be.

Respond now, as you are fully aware of this free, liberating invitation given to you by God the Father, Himself. This gift to you will undoubtedly empower you and give you strength….so much so, you’ll never want to cower in fear ever again!
WANT TO KNOW MORE about this relationship with Jesus? Do you want to help lead others to Jesus? Click on this link to learn the "4 Spiritual Laws" by Bill Bright: 4 Spiritual Laws

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