Be A Courageous Example
Consider these examples of courage: (1) A large part of Union General Sheridan’s success was his willingness to accept the dangers his men faced. He led from the front and his men courageously followed him (Stackpole, Sheridan In The Shenandoah, p 132). (2) After General Douglas MacArthur was appointed supreme commander for the occupation of Japan, he was told that some Japanese army units might fight against the occupation. Yet, MacArthur went to Japan when there were hundreds of thousands of Japanese soldiers in the area but only about a thousand brave American soldiers. (3) Freyberg was exceptionally courageous. He once told his intelligence officer, Costello, that he expected all his officers to be brave. Costello was fearful but resolved to act like he had courage given Freyberg’s expectations of him (Carver, The War Lords, p 594)
Our example of courage can have a profound impact on others, as did Sheridan’s bravery. Like Freyberg or the 1,000 soldiers in Japan who may have emboldened MacArthur, we may not even know the effect we are having on someone. The Lord has not given His people a cowardly Spirit (2 Tim 1:7, Beck) who will shrink from danger (2 Tim 1:7, Knox). Instead, He has given us His Spirit who provides us the power, love, sound judgment (Weymouth), self-control (Cassirer), and sanity (2 Tim 1:7, CLNT) that we need to be brave. Faith is about taking Spirit-directed risks. Fear, on the other hand, causes us to shrink back rather than responding with faith in God and courage (Heb 10:39). Our bravery, then, sets an example for others (1 Cor 11:1). In an evil age like ours (Gal 1:4), it can require the sanity of using God’s sound judgment to be able to courageously display His power and love to others.
What kind of example do we want to set for our spouse? Our children? Our friends and neighbors? One way or another, we will be an example to others. We are observed. Let’s be the kind of example that will make our Lord smile at us (Num 6:22-27).
Comforting others is costly but worth it.