Be Courageous!

There are many who are quite bold in where they take their stand, even arrogant! However, is it always for the RIGHT things? It takes courage to take a stand and remain standing FOR WHAT IS RIGHT when the crowd around us refuses to do so. Going along with and standing with the majority may feel safe at the moment, but Jesus noted it is the many who have chosen the wrong path. ( Matthew 7:13-14) Does that not seem obvious as we look at the world around us?

Jehoshaphat (fourth king of the southern portion of the divided kingdom) was one of the good kings of Judah. He was noted as having the Lord with him because he "walked in the earlier ways of his father David." ( 2 Chronicles 17:3 ESV) He was one known for seeking God and walking according to His commandments rather than following in the ways of the northern kingdom of Israel. ( 2 Chronicles 17:4) As I was reading through this chapter yesterday morning, I was struck by an important factor that would have made a huge difference for him as it will for us even today.

We read. . .
"(6) HIS HEART WAS COURAGEOUS IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah." ( 2 Chronicles 17:6 ESV)

The New International Version reads, "His heart was devoted" and the New King James Version reads, "his heart took delight". The Hebrew word means "to be high or be exalted". This word even has the negative inference of arrogance and pride. [source: Strong's Lexicon] Courageous, devoted, delighted, uplifted ". . . IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD"! Not in the ways of the world! Not in accordance with personal desires! The heart was courageously uplifted in following in that which was TRULY RIGHT and altogether RIGHTEOUS; "THE WAYS OF THE LORD."

Is this also the condition of our heart? If there is any "arrogance" in our life, may it be on behalf of the Will of God since we know HIS WAYS are ALWAYS RIGHT! Where we stand now relates to where we will stand in eternity. May our heart courageously help us take our stand in "THE WAYS OF THE LORD" regardless of where others around us have taken theirs!

Have a great day STANDING FIRMLY WITH GOD'S WAY!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Courage