Courage

You have to be brave to be a real Christian nowadays and I don't see it getting any easier in the future, either.

Of course, the real courage to live this different life comes from God, Himself. And yet it takes a brave decision on our part, also, to see this thing through.

One of the hardest things I've faced? Being misunderstood. Of doing something exactly the way I believed God wanted, and then having people criticize what I've done (or said or written). But that's all part of The Plan--can I do what God asks me to, even if it means standing alone (peoplewise) when I'm finished? 

Sometimes, yes. Other times, no.

All great Christians throughout history made courageous (usually unpopular) choices and we still read about them today. They didn't take obnoxious stances just for the sake of rattling a few cages, but made choices out of direct obedience to God.

Almost never do we hear about Christians who tried to blend into this world. The ones who held onto their 'Rights' to say whatever they want to say, whenever they want to say it. To do whatever they want, however they want, whenever they want. To watch, read or listen to whatever they want or to snarl and bite when wounded.

No, usually the Christians we admire most were the ones totally sold-out to God. They did only what He wanted, even though they probably pushed past a lot of fear. And said only what He wanted them to say (then hushed when they still wanted to say more. And went only where God asked them to go (and always left it a better place, meaning it wasn't a great situation when they first arrived.

Sometimes when I'm feeling uneasiness or peace-less, I wonder if it's because I'm suffering from a case of 'the blends' -- too much of being like everyone else.

Always, what stands out is passionate dedication and purity. 

Those two things can never blend in--that's an impossibility in this world. They'll always shine bright and often, alone.



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"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." ...Acts 4:13

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." ... James 1:27


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