Courage

These last few months I have been thinking about what it takes to make a great leader, or just a great Christian. After weeks of thought I’ve been impresssed with the single characteristic of “courage.” I am sure there are good synonyms but I prefer “courage.”

The word “courage” first came to mind when I heard Arthur Blessit speak. He made a statement that impressed me, ”the most important thing you’ll ever do for Jesus is the next thing.” Arthur was talking about the importance of surrender, obedience, trust. These are all elements that require courage.

I first became a Christian on a Sunday morning in April 1967. On Monday I couldn’t wait to tell everyone I knew. I told everyone I met. For an eight year old boy is was the comparative of telling the world I had spent the weekend at Disney World! (I know there’s no comparison.)

I told my third grade teacher and she asked me where I went to church. I invited her to Wednesday’s prayer meeting, where she met my mother (who was also a school teacher). The two became friends, and a few weeeks later my teacher prayed to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Telling people about Jesus came with such ease then, but as time passed that boldness gave way to fear, and the courage to share was lost.

Leadership and living for Jesus requires great courage. The most influential leaders, and the most influential Christians are those who live with courage. Where God leads, they follow, even with others ridiculre and laugh.

So, my prayer today, is Lord, grant me the courage to surrender every occassion, every possession, every decision to you.