Daily Devotions
Moral Courage
Reading for February 27th: Deuteronomy 19-22
"And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, 'Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.'"
Deuteronomy 20:8
Where does moral courage come from?
Sometimes it is a desire to defend God's honor, as when Moses unleashed his righteous anger against his people who worshiped the golden calf at Sinai, or when David bravely faced down the mighty giant because he defied the armies of the living God (Ex 32; 1 Sam 17). The desire to promote and to defend God's honor and to glorify his name is the highest motive for moral courage and should be the reason behind all that we do.
There is, however, another important motive to moral courage, and that is the desire to motivate others to action. The apostle Paul was in a Roman prison and was keenly aware of his example while he was in chains. He wrote:
"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Philippians 1:12-14
We need to be aware of those who are watching us and be sure that we never miss an opportunity to encourage them through our moral courage:
- If we have a chance to speak up in school and defend moral truth against the assaults of relativists, know that others are watching.
- If we have the opportunity to make a sacrifice for Christ and hold our kids out of some activity that would compromise our commitment, know that these stands not only leave lasting impressions on our kids but on other parents and children as well.
- If we are called on to do something wrong at work, be aware of the fact that we will inspire others to act with integrity when we resolve in our hearts that we will always do the right thing.
Father, grant us courage to stand up for you and for what is right so that others might see and follow our example.
