Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD. The word comes from the Latin words, "cor" and "ago," meaning, the heart, and to put in motion. Courage, therefore, means the active heart, or the spirit of the heart. For it is that spirit which enables us to encounter danger without fear, and bear adversity with calmness. I. WE ADMIRE PHYSICAL COURAGE; but, after all, it is chiefly a constitutional endowment. If a man be full of animal courage, no credit to him; for he has to thank his father and mother for his vigorous body which inspires him to be brave. Physical, or animal courage is not a rare quality. Moral courage is the great thing, that which will inspire you to do right at all costs. It was that which Jesus had and which He helps us to acquire. II. TRUE COURAGE WILL NEVER SWERVE FROM THAT WHICH IT KNOWS IS RIGHT. Margaret Wilson, in the days of Charles II., was tied to a post on the shore at the flow of the tide, but offered her life if she would obey the Church. Higher and higher the water rose, but she would not yield, and she died, crying out with her last breath, "Christ only is my Master." And many such martyrs there have been. That is moral courage. Dare to follow that which your conscience declares to be the truth; and be a Christian all out, though it may run you into risks of limb and life. It is the coward who is afraid to follow his convictions. Do not be a religious or political "turn-coat" against the secret conviction of your mind. "Toe the mark "in every sense in matters of truth and morals, and be brave enough to die rather than do wrong. III. HAVE YOU COURAGE TO SHOW YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN? And how many there are who cannot do this. But wily should you fear. Oh, be brave, not cowards. No doubt it does need moral courage to stand against ridicule, but be not jeered from the right. IV. IF YOU POSSESS TRUE COURAGE, YOU WILL NOT BE ASHAMED OF YOUR HUMBLE BUT HONOURABLE SURROUNDINGS. Don't have any false shame. Your hat may be battered, your shawl may be shabby, your coat may be an everyday one, but come up bravely to the house of God, and fear nobody. If the coat is the best God has given you, thank Him for it, and for all He has done for you. V. LET ME URGE YOU TO HAVE COURAGE TO DECIDE FOR JESUS CHRIST. (W. Birch.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. |
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