Courageous Faith
I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. Philippians 3:7-9, NLT
Courageous faith starts with an equally courageous perspective: a risky one, like the apostle Paul’s, that lays it all on the line. The decision to be God’s man is, we believe, a course that has no equal. It is the highest possible privilege and calling for every man. Practically speaking, it is this commitment that helps us stand up to the fire, prevail over temptation, and eliminate the fear we have of others—slaying the giant called “fear of man.” Most profoundly, this commitment motivates us to live for an audience of one.
So do you want to become a courageous God’s man? If so, consider these critical questions: Are you willing to come clean and confess your sins to God and at least one other person? Are you willing to protect your integrity with boundaries and limits? Are you willing to start connecting with other men in authentic relationships? Are you willing to take the narrow road, experience rejection, and even suffer—with no clear reward here on earth?
If you are willing to make these sacrifices, you will have ventured into courageous faith. You can’t do it without Him, and you can’t do it without the help, encouragement, and accountability of others. God and other men can pull you out of your cocoon of superficiality and into the great adventure of faith, growth, and maturity.
It is a rough ride, this thing called life, but it’s a ride that matters to God and makes a difference to those we love. Right now would be a great time to look anew or again at the man who gave His life for you and to dedicate yourself to becoming God’s man.
Father, there is no greater cause to give my best to other than You.