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Being Brave

Posted on 05.08.2013

Recently, an American athlete has revealed his chosen lifestyle. Since then, he’s been congratulated by many people. Prominent personalities have commented on his revelation, including President Obama, who said he was proud of him. This athlete was called brave. However, I think many of us are brave.

Bravery is standing up for what you believe in, even when no one else is standing up alongside you. Bravery is telling the truth in a time when the truth is called a lie and a lie is called the truth. Bravery is loving the people who mock you for your commitment to God or to your faith. Bravery is refusing to renounce your faith in Jesus, even though you are being mistreated, beaten and starved in an Iranian jail because you are a Christian. Bravery is going against the tide. Bravery is speaking out even though there are attempts to silence your respect for life and your expression of worship, as your faith dictates.

As Christians, we are called to love those who persecute us  for our faith. We are told by God to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). The Lord also calls us to stand firm with our armor on; living as Christ’s disciples is spiritual warfare. As Dr. Charles Stanley explains, the Lord did not tell us to fight; He told us to stand.  God will fight for us (I Samuel 17:47). We are to stand dressed with the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, the shield of faith and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:10-17).

We all should be able to express what we believe in, and should agree to disagree when our beliefs collide.

Being a Christian today takes a lot of bravery, while living a life that coincides with pop culture brings one widespread commendation, like this athlete received. So, if you are ready to be brave and declare anything that clashes what is popular, prepare to be stoned.