Holy Boldness

In Adams County, Ohio, 1,600 concerned citizens gathered in a high school gym the other day—but not to see a basketball game or some other school program. They were there to express their opposition to a lawsuit sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union that demands removal of stone monuments containing the Ten Commandments from school property. The folks in this rural region have heard all the arguments about separation of church and state. They aren't trying to impose their religious views on anyone. They simply believe that in a culture riddled by drug abuse, family problems, and moral confusion, young people could do a lot worse than ponder 10 time-honored principles that urge respect for God and others.

Like well-trained soldiers and athletes, God's people need courage. It has always been so. When one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all time died, his departure created a void in Israel. Who could fill the shoes of a man like Moses? No doubt Joshua felt intimidated by the daunting task ahead of him, so three times in the space of four verses, the Lord told him, "Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6–9).

It takes courage to lead others. "You will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them" (v. 6). Churches need wise, courageous teachers, preachers, and elders who will uphold God's truth and explain it clearly and lovingly. Families need moms and dads who aren't afraid to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Schools, businesses, and government offices need leaders who understand that right is still right, wrong is still wrong, light is still light, and darkness is still darkness.

It takes courage to obey God. "Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go" (v. 7). Christians are not under law as a system of salvation; we're under grace (Romans 6:14). But we're still obligated to obey the Lord who said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15).

Obedience springs from love; and the boldness to obey takes many forms. It's the Christian who serves the Lord even though other family members belittle her faith. It's the university student who dares to think for himself instead of blindly adopting the skeptical pronouncements of an unbelieving professor. It's the teenager who endures ridicule when he refuses to attend a party where the main purpose is getting drunk. It's the person plagued by chronic illness who chooses to do good even when she doesn't feel good. It's the person who quietly determines to give more to missionaries and spend less on himself.

Brawny muscles and steady nerves aren't the only signs of courage. Christians demonstrate holy boldness when they trust God to help them through the uncertainties of surgery, when they invite their neighbors to church, when they speak up for unpopular biblical truths, and when they accept the discomfort of healthy change instead of settling for the familiar comforts of convenience.

It takes courage to replace fear with faith. "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (v. 9). The same God who was with Moses and Joshua is still there when you face an insurmountable problem. He's there when you stand at the graveside of someone you think you can't live without. He's there when the very pillars of society seem to be crumbling. He's calling us forward, saying, "Fear not."