Courage

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” – James 4:17

The world is a scary place for many. What will others think? Will there be more work? What if it is not perfect? Will this impact my reputation?

There are so many reasons to do nothing. This is the paralysis for which Satan rejoices. Many simply stand on his side through inaction. In 1867 John Stuart Mill said, “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” More people know the second generation of the quote. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

While the quote is a rallying cry for integrity in values paired with action, a better thought is where are the “good men”?

Where are the men who will be a good example for the next generation? Where are the men who set aside the ego and machinations of the image? Where are the tough men who see toughness as being willing to be thought less of? Where are the tough men who are not afraid to have more work to do because of the consequences of doing right? WHere are the tough men who will wash the feet of another?

Setting the crown aside for service was Christ’s actions in the world. He ate with sinners. He touched the unclean. He called out those in authority who held the stones of justice.

He is our justice!

Oh, that there were men in this world who were not afraid to do what was right. Those who would say as Thomas, if he wants to go to Jerusalem, then let us go and die with him.

Please choose to reflect Christ.

Sign up for justice. Speak up for the truth. Care for children. Find the courage to be who God called you to be. It might cost some but doesn’t the gospel cost some?

It cost Christ everything.