Courage? What is it? Is it a gift of God just for certain people?
Surprisingly, often even in mission work (just as in working in the secular
world), many of us are willing to turn a blind eye - for the sake of peace, for
the sake of our job or ministry security, for political correctness...not to be
the one "to create the waves" when at times waves are needed.
Well, I have always admired people with courage who lived for a
principle that transcended all faiths and race because they lived for a Godly
purpose. We just have to look at Nelson Mandela - who was a "prisoner
of conscience" for 27 years in South Africa. He wanted to end
apartheid. it took a toll on his life and his family. But Mr. Mandela never
wavered but believed so passionately for the freedom of black people in South
Africa that he was willing to sacrifice his personal freedom. His words have
always inspired me personally - "I learned that courage was not
the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does
not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
To be a Christian is to live a life of courage every day of our
life - wherever we are. If we are followers of Christ, we know being mediocre,
being politically correct and putting worldly values (e.g.money, fame,
popularity, power) over Godly values (e.g. truth, integrity, peace, compassion,
justice) is not what is expected from any one of us. If I am a Christian,
I must dare to live every day with courage for Jesus. Why? Because God expects
me to!
"Do
not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform
you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know
the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect."
(Romans
12:2)
"So
let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will
come when we will reap the harvest."
(Galatians
6:9)
There are many bible verses which call every Christian to live a life of courage.There are times in my 10 years of ministry when I have felt discouraged, misunderstood, or compelled to speak up when no one else was willing to do so. I have just chosen the two bible verses above that have always inspired me to persevere and not give up. It is what gives me the courage not to compromise or settle for second-best in how I live and serve God. All God wants is for each of us to rejoice as we live the mission He lovingly created us for. That means a life of unselfish love (agape) where the Fruit of the Spirit is manifested in us.
"But
the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such
things as these."
(Galatians
5:22-23)
Our
home is not here on earth. We are pilgrims and our journey ends when we reach
our Eternal Home - to be with Jesus! There was a question that our retreat
director, Fr. Rex Pai SJ, asked us to ponder upon during our Volunteers'
Retreat in January this year. He said in making a decision or in choosing to do
something, we should ask ourselves. "What would Jesus do if He was
in my shoes?" Well this question has really made an impact on me.
It has taught me to slow down and not to react, to be calmer and to try to do
what is right in our Lord's eyes. Most importantly, I am even more determined
not to be mediocre or afraid to venture into new challenges to help in
proclaiming the Gospel to the world. For God has promised His Grace for each
one of us - what more does one require?
"My
grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.”
(2
Corinthians 12:9)
Ultimately,
the one question we have to ask ourselves is "Do you believe in Jesus?" If
our answer is "YES", we will have no fear to do what is right in all
aspects of our life despite our fears - " If God is for us,
who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
I
hope the you find the music video above, "FIND YOUR COURAGE" by
Margie Warrell. Author/Life Coach, as uplifting and affirming as I did.
“Be the change
that you wish to see in the world.”
Mahatma Gandhi
