Courage

Turn on the news. Read the newspaper. Listen to radio broadcasts. Or better yet jump on the internet and check out people's blogs, facebook pages, and websites of political nature. What do you see? One cannot check out these resources without hearing, seeing, or feeling that we live in turbulent times. The scriptures speak of the last days with caution,

"This know also, that in the last days perilious times shall come, For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Sound familiar? Do pieces of this prophecy sound like something you've noticed happening in our day today or have you seen them all happen?

I would say that all of these things spoken of here have either already happened or continue to happen on a daily basis. In a world where these problems, and many many more not spoken of here, are all around us some would ask what is to be done, how can we keep our families safe? I may not have the perfect solution to solve all these problems at once, but I do think I've found the foundation of a solution that can solve each of these problems over time. Courage.

There are going to be many people who will believe there is no problem with the list Timothy described. There will be some who will knowingly fight against the cause of righteousness and the Lord Himself. In that moment courage is going to be your only real defense. Courage to stand for what you believe to be true. Courage to stand for the cause of righteousness. Courage to stand as Christ would and stand for what is right. In a world filled with these problems the need for courage has never been more necessary. The Lord God has need of good people to stand up, be heard, and be courageous in the face of adversity. We have the promise from God that courage is not only possible but we will have His presence to be with us wherever we go. "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee, withsoever thou goest." I believe that in a world that is fighting itself, courage in good people can help the world become a place for good. Let us find within ourselves our resolve to our Lord in Heaven to stand our ground, to defend the cause of righteousness and our testimony, and find the courage to make that resolve resolute and unwavering. Good luck.