As citizens of the United States of America, we have a proud heritage of determination and courage from which to draw strength in difficult times. Thomas Paine cried, “Give me liberty or give me death!” In the face of defeat, John Paul Jones shouted, “I have not yet begun to fight!” Centuries have passed and their courage, along with the courage of so many others, has inspired us as a nation.

Even greater examples of courage are found in our spiritual heritage. While we owe a great debt to those who fought so that we might enjoy freedom from an earthly tyrant; our struggle, as Christians, is against spiritual forces of wickedness that captivate the heart and doom the soul to eternal torment. In the face of such conflict, our courage and conviction must be unwavering. Great examples of courage in the Christian battle include Peter and the apostles who, when threatened for preaching in the name of Jesus, simply replied, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). What was the key to their amazing boldness? The inspired text provides a hint when it says that their tormentors recognized their courage as proof that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). If we shrink away in fear when our faith is confronted, it is because we have not given time alone with Jesus a high enough priority in our lives.

Spend time with Jesus. Study His word. Build up your faith and courage so that you may stand as a light in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Ph. 2:15).

— Glen Elliott —